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 Program professional looking to increase your impact, read on!
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Lead, Innovation and Strategic Growth, the Program Analyst will support the Lead, Innovation and Strategic Growth by conducting research, supporting coordination and administration related to partners and stakeholders, and analysis of trends and shifts to support partner development and oversight.
Ways You Can Contribute
Conduct desk research and provide regular briefs/updates to the team on emerging opportunities and issues related to the EleV strategy with a particular focus on digital equity, entrepreneurship and investment, and innovation.
Capture data and learnings and ensure that insights and impact are routinely and effectively reported and integrated into program adaptations.
Liaise with the impact, design and learning, communications, and knowledge management teams.
Support the synthesis of learning and research to co-develop thought leadership with Lead, Innovation and Strategic Growth and Lead, Communications and Public Affairs.
Provide inputs in design of country strategies; including new portfolios focused on innovation, digital equity, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Collaborate across the Foundation with other teams to share learnings and gather insights to support the ongoing implementation of Canada Programs.
Support partnership development and co-creation, and ongoing monitoring and implementation aligned to the Foundation and Canada Program’s monitoring, reporting, and learning requirements.
Provide inputs and feedback on strategy documents.
Support planning, coordination, and facilitation of meetings and convenings with partners, external stakeholders, and Indigenous youth to inform ongoing program implementation.
Build and maintain effective partnerships with other teams within the Foundation.
Who You Are
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Business or another relevant qualification is required.
Lived experience and experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and youth.
Experience supporting large-scale programs and initiatives.
Experience supporting education, youth leadership, and employment programs.
Experience in the areas of digital equity (i.e., digital skills, connectivity) and/or entrepreneurship.
Experience in research, fact-checking, analysis, and content development.
Experience in planning and organizing events.
Demonstrated experience working across cultures and geographies.
Passionate about Indigenous youth education and employment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; as well as desire to integrate Indigenous ways of being and doing into practice.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. Fluency in English. Knowledge of an Indigenous language or French is an asset.
Flexible, intellectually curious, and open. This individual is comfortable with ambiguity and emergence and is receptive to new ideas and is willing to change when presented with the best options.
Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Outstanding organizational and attention to detail skills.
Results driven and motivated by a high sense of performance excellence.
Ability to work independently and proactively.
A team-player with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
Growth mindset, with a desire to seize opportunities to learn and excel.
Commitment to the values of co-creation, humility, and deep listening.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and respond to urgent situations in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
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.
