Lead – Scholars Partner Network

Lead – Scholars Partner Network

Requirements

• Masters degree and/or Professional qualification in international development, education, public policy, social sciences or another related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge of the higher education ecosystem and deep understanding of emerging trends and barriers in education and youth employment in Africa.
• Experience working in Africa and managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, fluid environment, while building partnerships across cultures and geographies.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills with the ability to build effective partnerships at all levels of the Foundation.
• Proven experience delivering programs for women, people with disabilities, refugees, displaced youth, and other marginalized groups.
• Passionate about youth education and employment in Africa, with a commitment to engaging and empowering young people, particularly women and marginalized groups.
• Ability to plan strategically over long timeframes while balancing immediate execution needs with long-term vision.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a drive to build new functions in dynamic environments and a strong service mindset to act as a trusted business partner.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of portfolio-level strategy, including outcomes, approach, and workplan, ensuring alignment with program goals and partner collaboration frameworks.
• Identify and pursue new global partnership opportunities, focusing on youth and institutional strengthening in Africa, while driving co-creation processes with partners and relevant teams.
• Establish success metrics for partnerships and track progress, ensuring high-quality program delivery through active support, problem-solving, and collaboration with partners.
• Collaborate with the Scholars Program Transitions team and the Transformative Leadership team to support Scholars’ transitions into work or further education, and ensure implementation of transformative leadership programs on campus.
• Ensure inclusivity in all partnerships, addressing the specific needs of marginalized youth, including women, refugees, displaced youth, and young people with disabilities.
• Utilize Foundation tools and systems to effectively manage data, projects, and initiatives, integrating learnings into program adaptations and ensuring safeguarding of all program participants.
• Manage and track consultant performance, foster stakeholder relationships to scale impact, and collaborate across teams to enhance cross-organizational efforts and partner networks.
• Facilitate learning exchanges, lead advisory groups and working groups, and ensure effective coordination and alignment within the Scholars Program regional portfolio.
• Coach and mentor colleagues to maintain high-quality work, align with Foundation values, and promote a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Some Leads may be requested to manage others on the team, while continuously championing safeguarding across the program.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.