Lead, Market Systems Development

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.

THE WORK AT THE FOUNDATION

We are currently in an exciting period at the Mastercard Foundation as we intensify the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people throughout Africa to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

To ensure the Foundation’s accessibility to our partners and program participants, we have established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. These offices provide strong in-country support for the implementation of Young Africa Works. We collaborate with governments, the private sector, educators, and other funders to enhance the quality of education and vocational training, equip young individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and facilitate connections between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities.

Our values serve as our guiding principles, transcending and surpassing all other considerations. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work.

If you are an experienced professional in economic ecosystem development looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Country Director, the Lead, Market Systems Development will spearhead significant program initiatives, uniting diverse stakeholders for impactful outcomes. S/he will leverage strategic influence, collaboration without direct authority, skilled negotiation, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and effective execution of projects through proficiency in programming, program design, and implementation.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Lead the conceptualization and design of innovative development programs, employing a deep understanding of market systems and stakeholder needs to create scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Utilize rigorous data analysis and sector insights to ensure program designs are strategically aligned with local and international development objectives, paving the way for transformative impact.
• Strategically design, implement, and evaluate large-scale development programs, aligning a diverse consortium of governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners towards common goals through influence and consensus-building.
• Utilize persuasive communication and strategic thinking to foster collaboration and oversee effective planning, monitoring, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring that all program objectives are met on time, within budget, and executed seamlessly for maximum impact.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with all program stakeholders. Employ expert negotiation skills to resolve conflicts, secure necessary resources, and boost program efficacy.
• Enhance the capabilities of partner organizations through systematic coaching and training. Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills to bolster the consortium’s overall capability and resilience.
• Implement rigorous methods for tracking and reporting on program progress. Use data-driven insights to guide strategic adjustments and promote continuous improvement.
• Serve as a prominent organization representative at public forums, conferences, and workshops. Effectively communicate the programs’ advantages and advocate for supportive policies and further investments.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience leading and managing large-scale development programs, preferably in diverse settings.
• Technical knowledge in market systems, resilience concepts, private sector, and sustainable development in fragile socio-economic ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders and build partnerships without direct authority.
• Strong leadership skills with the capacity to influence, persuade, and negotiate effectively.
• Proven expertise in program management, strategic planning, and organizational dynamics.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in additional languages advantageous.
• Strategic and proactive problem-solving approach.
• Empathetic leadership style with a strong commitment to capacity building.
• Adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity.

Deadline for Applications is July 22, 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.

For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit http://www.mastercardfdn.org/
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