Executive Assistant - Senior Director, Corporate Communications - Canada

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 have entered a very exciting time at the Foundation as we scale up our operations across Africa to realize our Young Africa Works strategy. Our role at the Mastercard Foundation is to be a catalyst. Our Young Africa Works strategy focuses on working with others to spur systemic change so young people have the opportunity to find work that is dignified and fulfilling.

The Foundation has opened offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda, building a broader leadership presence in Africa to develop specific strategies that support youth employment.  Within a country, we work with governments, the private sector, educators, young people, and other funders to improve the quality of education and vocational training, prepare young people for the work force, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and connect job seekers to dignified and fulfilling work.

We are ambitious and driven. Our values transcend and rise above everything else as our guide. We encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. We are a team. Our journey together makes our impact even more meaningful.

UNDERSTANDING CANADA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 30,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities. We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth. In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation. While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.

If you are an experienced Executive Assistant looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications, the Executive Assistant will provide executive and professional support to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications and administrative support to the Corporate Communications team to successfully execute the corporate communications strategy and work plans.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks for the Senior Director, Corporate Communications, including:
  • Managing active calendar of appointments; monitoring and managing email correspondence; completing expense reports and managing contracting and invoicing process,
  • Composing and preparing correspondence while maintaining confidentiality; attending selected meetings locally and on the continent, taking notes, capturing action items, and ensuring follow through,
  • Arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, logistics, and agendas; and preparing relevant documents and presentations for meetings.
• Support communications efforts pertaining to the Canadian EleV program in Canada as well as other Canadian-related programming.
• Support communications efforts pertaining to the Canadian EleV program in Canada as well as other Canadian-related programming.
• Provide support to the team on various corporate campaigns and initiatives.
• Manage and respond to external email requests and providing accurate information to ensure the Foundation’s brand value is maintained.
• Lead follow up of key action items, ensuring that the Senior Director, Corporate Communications is prepared for meetings and correspondence and work runs effectively and efficiently.
• Lead scheduling of all activities and events related to the Senior Director’s role and work plans.
• Plan, coordinate, and ensure that the Senior Director’s schedules are adhered to and respected, and act as a gatekeeper creating well-balanced situations for direct access to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications.
• Coordinate with other executive assistants, administrative staff, and country teams across the enterprise functions regarding meetings and other engagements (internal and external).
• Research, prioritize, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Propose appropriate courses of action, referral, or response.
• Work closely and effectively with the Senior Director, Corporate Communications and keep the Senior Director well informed of upcoming commitments, responsibilities, and projects to ensure delivery on set targets, goals, and timelines, following up appropriately.
• Successfully complete critical aspects of deliverables by adopting a hands-on approach, including drafting acknowledgement letters, personal correspondence, project management, and other tasks that facilitate the Senior Director's role and work plan.
• Prioritize conflicting needs; has the ability to handle matters proactively, expeditiously, and follows-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.
• Communicate directly, and on behalf of the Senior Director, Corporate Communications with other Directors, Team Leads, Country Teams, and relevant Stakeholders, on matters related to Senior Director's initiatives and work plans while maintaining confidentiality as necessary.
• Provide a bridge for smooth communication between the Senior Director, Corporate Communications and internal departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust, and support with senior management staff.
• Support the effective and efficient communication and implementation of a Corporate Communications initiatives, plans, or strategies.
• Support the Senior Director, Corporate Communications to monitor, prepare, and disseminate written and spoken communication (internally and externally).
• Compile material GMT reporting.
• Draft and create documentation (including letterheads, power point decks, board documents, etc.) for the Senior Director's use.
• Compose and handle the distribution of correspondence (verbal and/or written), as required and act as appropriate. Ensure high quality and attention to detail. Execute all task and responsibilities while observing confidentiality as appropriate.
• Serve as the administrative liaison to the Foundation's Board of Directors (and other Board committees).
• Work on quarterly Board books in collaboration with teams across the organization.
• Edit Board materials, as necessary and manage proofreader edits.
• Organize, format, and manage version control of Board documents.
• Work with Office of the President to coordinate Board events, information packages, and partner site visits to Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada working closely with Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Executive Assistant to the President and CEO.
• Manage software for posting Board materials (Board Vantage).
• Participate as an adjunct member of the executive team, including assisting in scheduling meetings and attending meetings locally and in Africa, as required.
• Facilitate team coordination of plans, activities, and events.
• Build, liaise and sustain relationships with staff, external stakeholders and general public.
• Provide support in budget preparation and forecasting and supporting financial management processes in line with policies and processes.
• Provide backup to other executive administrators and execute any other duties as requested by the Senior Director, Corporate Communications.
• Support development of Corporate Communications budget in line with policies and processes.
• Relevant suppliers’ selection for program/office tasks.
• Prepare and disseminate communications to internal and external contacts for approval or on behalf of Senior Director, Corporate Communications, in a timely manner.
• Determine the Senior Director, Corporate Communications and team calendar for internal and external meetings.

WHO YOU ARE

• A bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required.
• A Minimum of 10 years’ experience in an Administrative Assistant role in a fast-paced multinational environment. International experience preferred.
• Excellent planning, organizing, and time management skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, exhibiting grace under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to produce high quality work consistently and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated emotional maturity and proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
• Highly proficient in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Office 365, Board Vantage, and SharePoint).
• Well established networks of service contractors, relevant stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• French is an asset.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is December 09, 2022.

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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