Head of Strategy & Planning – Canada Programs

ABOUT MASTERCARD FOUNDATION 

Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. Through its Young Africa Works strategy and Canadian EleV program, the Foundation works with partners to ensure that millions of young people, especially young women, access quality education, financial services, and dignified work. Mastercard Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is independent with its own Board of Directors and CEO.

UNDERSTANDING CANADA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 100,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities. We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth. In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation. While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.

If you are an experienced Strategic Program professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Senior Director, Canada Programs, the Head of Strategy is highly influential and visible, combining strategic planning, performance management, driving operational rigor and quality of programming. The Head of Strategy will be the Senior Director’s partner in management and administration and will provide thought leadership across various management and operational issues. S/he will primarily oversee the entire function’s administrative operations, provide oversight and guidance to projects of high importance, and lead key strategic cross-functional and transformational projects. The role will support the Senior Director in making more efficient use of time and delivering their responsibilities more effectively.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Work with the Senior Director daily or weekly to prioritize projects and initiatives, manage all internal and external requests for the Senior Director, and ensure their involvement in decision-making processes.
• Monitor information flow and manage administrative issues such as preparation for external engagements or internal functions.
• Providing strategic counsel, analyses, and support to facilitate decision-making.
• Manage the agenda for key cross-functional meetings, including core team meetings and off-sites, to ensure efficient team communication and coordination.
• Partner with other functions to prepare and maintain a short-term and long-term strategic roadmap for the Canada Programs team.
• Provide research and oversight for special projects, including problem identification and recommendations.
• Attend key meetings, identify and document management issues, and help drive their closure to ensure overall productivity.

WHO YOU ARE

• A minimum of 10 years of work experience, with at least 5 years in senior strategic management consulting or general manager roles.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or MBA.
• Creative in solving problems and generating innovative solutions.
• Strong Project Management and Planning skills and experience: ability to manage multiple high-profile projects and effectively leverage all resources to achieve results.
• Broad knowledge of processes, protocols, and procedures, focusing on budget, financial and impact management and/or personnel management.
• Experience in coordinating diverse programs and functions for a very diverse department.
• Well-honed written, verbal, and creative communication skills, including the ability to translate insight into content, create slide or written presentations, and create overall communication plans.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity.
• Knowledge and experience working within Indigenous community context is essential.
• Knowledge of Indigenous language(s) and /or French is an added advantage.
• You are strongly aligned with the Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is July 30, 2024.

Mastercard Foundation (the “Foundation”) values and respects your privacy. By submitting an application for this opportunity, you hereby agree to the Foundation’s collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy (available at https://mastercardfdn.org/privacy/). Please note that the Foundation may share your personal information with third-party agencies that support the Foundation’s recruitment activities, and such third-party agencies may contact you directly regarding this opportunity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Foundation’s Privacy Officer at the address indicated in its Privacy Policy.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

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