Head, Health Program Communications at MasterCard

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Director, Special Programs Communications, the Head, Health Program Communications will develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the Foundation's Health Programs. You will be a strategic thought partner to Program colleagues and relevant stakeholders, overseeing the health Communications Team and working closely with partner communications teams to ensure alignment. The role also involves managing agencies, budgets, and brand-related communications.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Develop a comprehensive health communications strategy aligned with the Foundation’s objectives, including ecosystem mapping to shape the approach.
• Craft targeted communication strategies to reach priority audiences through mainstream and social media, such as health stakeholders, governments, academia, the private sector, funders, and youth.
• Lead and inspire the Health Communications Team to enhance capacity and accelerate the delivery of high-impact communications.
• Provide strategic guidance to program colleagues and stakeholders on communications, including advocacy, planning, and implementation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Research and Impact Team, to ensure alignment with the impact measurement framework.
• Support partners by developing collaborative strategies to ensure effective communication delivery.
• Elevate youth voices and drive impact storytelling, focusing on the transformative journeys of young women and men.
• Collaborate with colleagues to frame findings and insights for decision-makers in Africa, engaging experts in relevant forums to support the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.
• Lead and manage reputation and risk mitigation efforts across the Health Program portfolio.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including media figures in the health sector.
• Oversee media planning, reporting, and updates on progress.
• Develop and manage the budget for the Health Communications Program.
• Manage vendors, agencies, and consultants to support the delivery of communications initiatives.

WHO YOU ARE

• Degree in Communications; a postgraduate qualification in Communications or a related field is an added advantage.
• 15+ years of experience in Communications or a related field, with at least 3-5 years in leadership roles. Background in the private sector or development is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to identify and mitigate risks in a timely manner.
• Creative, innovative, and passionate about experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledgeable about health communications, tools, and best practices, with the ability to apply them to various projects and situations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and management abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment with shifting priorities and multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset, aligned with Mastercard Foundation’s values.