Lead, Eastern & Southern Africa Partner Network, Scholars Program at MasterCard

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Eastern & Southern Africa Partner Network – Scholars Program, the role will be responsible for engaging partners, youth and key stakeholders for successful implementation of the Scholars Program.

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

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Contribute to the design and evolution of the Scholars Program.  
• Contribute to identification of new partnership opportunities within the region and structuring the partnership framework. 
• Coordinate and contribute to co-creation process with new partners, in relevant consultation.
• Provide partners with advice and accompaniment re: implementation, tracking progress, and identifying learning. Ensure high-quality delivery of the Scholars Program at partner institutions.  
• Collaborate with the Transitions team to ensure successful transition of Scholars into the world of work (employment, entrepreneurship) or further education.  
• Collaborate with the Transformative Leadership team to ensure that all program partners build and implement their transformative leadership programs and experiences for Scholars.  
• Collaborate with the refugees, internally displaced youth and young people with disabilities team to advance inclusion across program design and delivery.  
• Capture data and learning and ensure that insights and impact are routinely and effectively reported and integrated into program adaptations. 
• Support partner institutions to ensure safeguarding of Scholars and program participants.  
• Cultivate and manage relationships with stakeholders to scale impact. 
• Support connections and exchange and learning across the Scholars Program regional portfolio.  
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of face-to-face convening and virtual meetings.
• Gather feedback to inform broader program development activities. 
• Line manage Program Partners, Program Analysts and Interns within the team.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree or a master’s in business administration, public policy, international development, social sciences, applied sciences or related field from a recognized university is required.
• Member of a relevant professional body.
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience in a similar organization.
• Experience in engaging with faculty/staff in higher education institutions, civil society organizations, government, private sector etc., as well as young people.
• Managing multiple projects and delivering results in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
• Experience in designing and delivering leadership development programs for young people, in Africa.
• Experience with global grant making. This experience may come from working in another funding organization, corporation or an NGO.
• Experience working across cultures and geographies, living and working in Africa is highly desirable.
• Fluent in English. Fluent in local languages as the role demands.
• Deep knowledge of key issues and emerging trends and barriers in education and youth employment in Africa.
• Excellent analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
• Experience and sensitivity to issues of inclusion; experience delivering programs for women, people with disabilities, and/or refugees and displaced youth highly desirable.
• Exceptional interpersonal and listening skills with the ability to build effective partnerships across all levels of the Foundation.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Proficiency with MS Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Passionate about youth education and employment in Africa
• Commitment to engaging and empowering young people, particularly women, and other marginalized groups such as refugees and displaced youth, and young people with disabilities.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan and act strategically over long time frames, patience and persistence to achieve goals; and ability to balance immediate executional needs with longer term visioning.
• A team-player with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to build a new function in a dynamic environment
• Service Mindset and striving towards becoming a trusted business partner to drive common Foundation goals.
• Results-driven and motivated by a high sense of performance excellence and urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and respond to urgent situations in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
• Drive to continually experiment and innovate, building and leveraging best-in-class expertise and learnings.
• Commitment to the values of co-creation, humility, kindness and respect, impact and deep listening.
• Demonstrate a commitment to MasterCard Foundation’s values and vision.