As the Lead, Innovation, you will be responsible for shaping impactful country programs by setting strategic direction and engaging country teams in innovative interventions with strong potential for large-scale impact. This role will champion and support innovation in program design, implementation, strategic thinking, and leadership.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Provide input in the design of country strategies by working with the Country Director and other colleagues to foster innovation in the programmatic approach and allow the piloting of emerging opportunities to unlock opportunities for youth and young women in the country.
• Develop an innovation portfolio, including innovative approaches to exploring opportunities in emerging sectors and scaling successful pilots.
• Collaborate with country teams and other team members in the development or implementation of new programs, including co-creation of programs and due diligence practices.
• Communicate progress and lessons learned from programs to Foundation colleagues and the broader development community.
• Provide perspective and expertise on best practices related to coordinating and integrating project plans.
• Communicate progress and lessons learned to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Build relationships with partner organizations, communities of practice, and global stakeholders.
• Represent the Foundation and collaborate with key internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with the program and country teams to leverage synergies across programs and geographies.
• Manage the program portfolio in accordance with the Foundation’s monitoring and reporting requirements, distilling lessons learned.
• Provide perspective and expertise on emerging and promising solutions to the problem of youth employment. Identify challenges and opportunities in new and promising sectors to drive job growth.
• Contribute insights to the Foundation’s thought leadership on youth employment in Africa.
• Lead and supervise teams of program partners by providing the coaching and support necessary for success and growth.
• Identify and help overcome challenges and other barriers to team effectiveness.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in any related field along with a membership of a relevant professional body.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in multi-sector collaboration and in particular with young people in Africa, governments and the private sector.
• Facilitation, strategic analysis, planning and project management
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work transparently and constructively with various actors independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate progress and lessons learned from projects to colleagues and the wider development community.
• Demonstrates professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity, aligning with the Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

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.