Head of Workforce Development

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 Workforce Development looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Country Director, the Head of Workforce Development will take the lead in shaping and executing the workforce development strategy. This role is instrumental in driving capacity development and upskilling initiatives for the education and health sectors, with a primary focus on enhancing employment opportunities within these fields. The responsibilities extend to the strategic development of programs that address the specific workforce needs within healthcare. This includes initiatives aimed at improving the skills, training, and capacity of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, thus contributing to a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Define and implement a comprehensive workforce development strategy for Nigeria, focusing on the education and healthcare sectors.
• Provide strategic direction for workforce development programs, ensuring they are in line with the Foundation's mission and vision.
• Align the strategy with the Foundation's objectives and priorities in education and health workforce development.
• Oversee the design and delivery of education and health workforce development initiatives.
• Champion a culture of innovation and agility to facilitate the creation of new programs.
• Manage risks associated with the workforce development portfolio and propose mitigation plans.
• Enable team members and partner organizations to execute and implement programs effectively.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key partner institutions, peer funders, thematic advisors, directors, and Country Directors within the education and healthcare workforce development space.
• Facilitate engagements with external thought leaders and forums to enhance the Foundation's reputation as a thought leader in Nigeria.
• Build strong relationships with educational and healthcare communities to promote the participation and benefit of young professionals.
• Serve as a focal point for the Foundation in local Workforce Development platforms that can scale and accelerate Mastercard Foundation programs.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among theme teams both within and outside the organization.
• Enhance the Foundation's presence at local platforms designed to advance excellence in workforce development.
• Participate as a judge, advisor, and panelist in workforce development events across the country.
• Strengthen collaboration among teams focusing on education and skills, health workforce development, and transitions into work.
• Interact with counterparts from other program teams to ensure strategic alignment and keep the Country Director informed about workforce development projects.
• Recruit and build a high-performing workforce development team in Nigeria.
• Model the Foundation's values in team behaviors and interactions.
• Coach and mentor direct reports to ensure the consistent and excellent delivery of program KPIs.

WHO YOU ARE

• Hold an advanced degree in education, health, or a related field.
• Possess relevant professional qualifications and a member of a relevant professional body.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in driving strategy and program success across Nigeria or African countries.
• Have at least 5 years of leadership and management experience, with at least 3 years in a multi-country African environment.
• Demonstrate expertise in education and skills development, health workforce development, or related fields, with healthcare sector experience as an added advantage.
• Experience in educational technology assessment and evaluation, youth and adult learning and development, curriculum development and teacher training strategy will be an added advantage.
• Experience in the health sector will be an added advantage.
• Exhibit strong coordination and project management skills.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Apply systems thinking to engage with stakeholders and design programs addressing root causes and critical needs.
• Possess substantial knowledge of critical issues, emerging trends, and barriers in workforce development within education and healthcare.
• Excel in multi-stakeholder management with senior colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build and manage small, agile teams while engaging with a wider network across thematic areas and countries.
• Promote collaboration in a complex and evolving environment.
• Prioritize results, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Offer progressive and creative thinking in workforce development.
• Possess a deep understanding of the education and healthcare landscape in Nigeria.
• Show a proven track record of working with and mentoring successful workforce development endeavors.
• Have experience in public policy within nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, or educational institutions.
• Proven experience in effectively engaging with senior government officials, key partners, media, business leaders, and other influential individuals.
• 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 February 22, 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/
Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @MastercardFdn

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/
Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @MastercardFdn

NB: To avoid missing email communication about your application, please check your spam/junk folder and mark our emails as "not junk".