Program Head, Disability Inclusion

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 disability and inclusion programs looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Partnerships & Innovation, the Program Head, Disability Inclusion will oversee and direct all initiatives and partnerships focused on disability inclusion, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s disability inclusion framework and the mission and values. This role will interpret and cascade strategic objectives, fostering successful implementation and internal and external collaboration.

The successful candidate will be based in any of our offices in Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana or Senegal). 

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Lead the strategic implementation and development of Disability Inclusion partnerships, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s Disability Inclusion framework and overarching goals.
• Oversee integrating evidence-based practices and innovative approaches in program design and implementation.
• Guide and mentor Disability Inclusion teams and focal points across countries, facilitating the co-creation of partnerships and providing comprehensive support throughout program lifecycles.
• Organize and manage workshops, meetings, and retreats to foster team engagement and advance strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Program Finance, Impact and Research, and Public Affairs, to ensure cohesive management of the Disability Inclusion portfolio.
• Support and develop new partnerships, conducting due diligence, and assisting in proposal designs for prospective partners.
• Oversee the Disability Inclusion portfolio, participating in narrative reviews, annual planning, and monitoring visits to enhance learning and impact.
• Share insights on emerging trends and issues in Disability Inclusion, contributing to the Foundation’s thought leadership in the sector.
• Manage relationships with senior stakeholders at the Foundation level and support the Disability Inclusion Team in their stakeholder engagement for complex partnerships and engagements.
• Build networks, collaborations, and partnerships with organizations led by youth with disabilities, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and other stakeholders to advance interventions aligned with the Disability Inclusion strategy.
• Participate in relevant external Disability Inclusion working groups, such as funder collaboratives, to build the foundation’s thought leadership on disability inclusion.
• Build the Disability Inclusion Team’s culture and engagement and drive oneness.
• Support Disability Inclusion teams in growing and being successful in their roles (performance, capability, and careers).

WHO YOU ARE

• Master’s degree in a field related to development work, program management, disability studies, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Professional certification in disability inclusion, accessible design, or similar is highly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in disability inclusion, with significant exposure to policy development and implementation in diverse contexts, particularly in Africa.
• Proven track record in partnership management, including capacity assessment, training, and networking.
• Extensive experience with local, national, and regional Disability Inclusion organizations and networks.
• Experience in leading project management, including design, monitoring, and evaluation, with multi-stakeholder projects and large-scale funding.
• Experience working directly with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and understanding the barriers they face, with practical solutions to overcome them.
• In-depth knowledge of global, national, and local disability inclusion contexts and policy landscapes.
• Expertise in developing and applying a Disability Inclusion lens for multi-sectoral programs or environments.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to serve as a thought partner in Disability Inclusion.
• Ability to form cohesive teams and provide clear directions for impact.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with grant-management systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of articulating complex information to diverse audiences, including leadership from government, donors, NGOs, and DPOs.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French or relevant local languages is an added advantage.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity.
• People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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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