Lead, Eastern & Southern Partner Network, Scholars Program

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Eastern & Southern Africa Partner Network – Scholars Program, the role will be responsible for engaging partners, youth and key stakeholders for successful implementation of the Scholars Program.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Contribute to the design and evolution of the Scholars Program.  
• Contribute to identification of new partnership opportunities within the region and structuring the partnership framework. 
• Coordinate and contribute to co-creation process with new partners, in relevant consultation.
• Provide partners with advice and accompaniment re: implementation, tracking progress, and identifying learning. Ensure high-quality delivery of the Scholars Program at partner institutions.  
• Collaborate with the Transitions team to ensure successful transition of Scholars into the world of work (employment, entrepreneurship) or further education.  
• Collaborate with the Transformative Leadership team to ensure that all program partners build and implement their transformative leadership programs and experiences for Scholars.  
• Collaborate with the refugees, internally displaced youth and young people with disabilities team to advance inclusion across program design and delivery.  
• Capture data and learning and ensure that insights and impact are routinely and effectively reported and integrated into program adaptations. 
• Support partner institutions to ensure safeguarding of Scholars and program participants.  
• Cultivate and manage relationships with stakeholders to scale impact. 
• Support connections and exchange and learning across the Scholars Program regional portfolio.  
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of face-to-face convening and virtual meetings.
• Gather feedback to inform broader program development activities. 
• Line manage Program Partners, Program Analysts and Interns within the team.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree or a master’s in business administration, public policy, international development, social sciences, applied sciences or related field from a recognized university is required.
• Member of a relevant professional body.
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience in a similar organization.
• Experience in engaging with faculty/staff in higher education institutions, civil society organizations, government, private sector etc., as well as young people.
• Managing multiple projects and delivering results in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
• Experience in designing and delivering leadership development programs for young people, in Africa.
• Experience with global grant making. This experience may come from working in another funding organization, corporation or an NGO.
• Experience working across cultures and geographies, living and working in Africa is highly desirable.
• Fluent in English. Fluent in local languages as the role demands.
• Deep knowledge of key issues and emerging trends and barriers in education and youth employment in Africa.
• Excellent analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
• Experience and sensitivity to issues of inclusion; experience delivering programs for women, people with disabilities, and/or refugees and displaced youth highly desirable.
• Exceptional interpersonal and listening skills with the ability to build effective partnerships across all levels of the Foundation.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Proficiency with MS Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Passionate about youth education and employment in Africa
• Commitment to engaging and empowering young people, particularly women, and other marginalized groups such as refugees and displaced youth, and young people with disabilities.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan and act strategically over long time frames, patience and persistence to achieve goals; and ability to balance immediate executional needs with longer term visioning.
• A team-player with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to build a new function in a dynamic environment
• Service Mindset and striving towards becoming a trusted business partner to drive common Foundation goals.
• Results-driven and motivated by a high sense of performance excellence and urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and respond to urgent situations in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
• Drive to continually experiment and innovate, building and leveraging best-in-class expertise and learnings.
• Commitment to the values of co-creation, humility, kindness and respect, impact and deep listening.
• Demonstrate a commitment to MasterCard Foundation’s values and vision.