Program Consultant, Portfolio Coordination

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 program portfolio coordination looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Country Director, the Program Consultant, Portfolio Coordination will optimize connections across the program portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and enhancing collaboration for maximum impact. You will work with thematic leads to synthesize country-level insights and organize planning meetings with Impact and Program Operations teams. The Consultant will also coordinate the Foundation’s involvement in sector meetings and advise the Country Director on stakeholder engagement for implementing the Young Africa Works strategy in Rwanda.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Lead the integration and coordination of programs across agriculture, entrepreneurship, digital economy, education, skills, and workforce development to ensure strategic alignment and efficient resource utilization across the Foundation’s platforms.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and industry partners, to foster collaboration and support.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness, monitor outcomes, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with program leads to assess resource needs and optimize allocation, ensuring projects are adequately funded and staffed.
• Identify potential risks within the portfolio and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring continuity and resilience.
• Create and disseminate best program coordination and management practices, fostering continuous learning and improvement.
• Prepare and present regular updates on program portfolio status, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of program teams and ensure the effective implementation of initiatives.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Development Studies, Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in program coordination or management, preferably in agriculture, entrepreneurship, digital economy, education, or workforce development.
• Strong understanding of program management methodologies and tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in project management software and data analysis tools.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of articulating information to a diverse audience across cultures.
• Demonstrate professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity that reflect the values of the Mastercard Foundation.

Deadline for Applications is November 13, 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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