Job Vacancies at Mastercard Foundation

Reporting to the?Associate Director, the?goal of?the Senior Manager is to catalyze learning and evidenced-based decision-making?across the Foundation and within our networks of stakeholders. Working?within the Strategy & Learning department and?closely with the?Thought Leadership,?Communications,?and People & Culture?departments, as well as?the Program Team, this role has primary responsibility for?mobilizing knowledge?using a wide range of?processes, products?and tools.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Conduct quality assessment of statistical data generated by national data collection agencies and identify opportunities for capacity support.
• Identify local and/or regional learning partners to support learning activities when possible and identify opportunities to strengthen institutional capacity.
• Support the development and implementation of the Foundation-wide research framework.
• Commission research projects and partners, including drafting Request for Proposals, managing proposal and partner selection, and contracting processes.
• Manage ongoing research projects with a wide variety of research partners with a wide range of experience, expertise, and capacity.
• Contribute to regular updates of the evidence map informing our work, scanning the emerging literature and practice for relevant evidence to guide our programs and investments.
• Contribute to and lead the effective internal and external use of research-related evidence, including the uptake of research results by Foundation teams, both in Toronto and Africa.
• Contribute to a learning culture within the Foundation that is reflective, people-focused, and rooted in evidence.
• Assist with development and maintenance of internal research guidance, including tools, processes, and information management.
• Support the development and revisions of the ‘Evaluation Policy’ and approaches.
• Lead the planning, design and implementation of mixed-method approaches of evaluations, including but not limited to, impact evaluations.
• Develop a process for procuring, reviewing and selecting contractors for external evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE

• Post-graduate degree and/or equivalent experience in a development-related discipline (Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, International Affairs, etc.)
• Minimum of 10 years working experience in social impact measurement with demonstrated technical expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, tool design, validation and data analysis.
• Experience working within the international development sector with subject matter expertise in labour market analysis, financial inclusion, education and technology.
• Knowledge and experience on private sector development and job growth, especially related to business environment.
• Bilingual in English and French languages.
• Experience with knowledge translation, including synthesizing data and information for different audiences and articulating key insights.
• Demonstrated experience in operational M&E to measure both project and systems level change using a variety of approaches and methods including contribution analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering training on research and evaluation methods.
• Professional maturity and impeccable integrity with sensitivity to working within different cultures.
• Flexible, adaptable and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
• High tolerance for ambiguity and change, and ability to adapt to changing priorities  within a fast-paced work environment with a “roll up the sleeves” attitude.
• Strong problem-solving skills combined with a track record of pivoting in response to opportunities and challenges.
• Exceptional cross-cultural skills and lived experience with youth employment issues in Africa is highly valued.
• Demonstrated knowledge of African social, economic and political contexts.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).

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/or proof of education, as well as background checks (criminal, credit and social media) are essential conditions of employment.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience in a confidential manner.

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Reporting to the Associate Director, Research, the goal of each Manager / Senior Manager is to catalyze learning and evidenced-based decision-making across the Foundation and within our network of stakeholders. Working within the Strategy & Learning team, and closely with Programs and Communications, these individuals will drive execution of our Research Framework through strategic partnership development and sector engagement. The successful candidates will be proactive and collaborative self-starters who demonstrate flexibility and ownership for finding new opportunities and for leveraging knowledge.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Knowledge Development & Subject Matter Expertise

• Lead the implementation of core areas of the Foundation-wide research framework.
• Develop and manage strategic research partnerships that generate evidence and insights in our priority areas.
• Provide subject matter expertise regarding the state of evidence and knowledge in key area(s).
• Lead and/or guide regular updates of the evidence map informing our work, scanning the emerging literature and practice for relevant evidence to guide our programs and investments.
• Lead the planning, design and implementation of mixed-method approaches of independent evaluations, including but not limited to, impact evaluations.

Partner and Project Management

• Commission research projects and partners, including drafting Request for Proposals, managing proposal and partner selection, and contracting processes.
• Support and/or lead institutional strengthening initiatives that advance the further development of African research organizations and networks.
• Manage ongoing projects with a wide variety of research partners with a wide range of experience, expertise, and capacity.
• Ensure research compliance with relevant ethical guidelines and policies, including local regulations and Foundation policies and guidelines.
• Contribute to the active management of the Research & Evaluation Database and promote its usage amongst Foundation colleagues.
• Lead and/or support the revision and implementation of Foundation Research & Evaluation policy and approach, including internal guidance, tools, processes, and information management.

Knowledge Sharing

• Lead the effective internal and external use of research-related evidence, including the uptake of research results by Foundation teams, both in Toronto and Africa.
• Contribute to a learning culture within the Foundation that is reflective, people-focused, and rooted in evidence.
• Actively engage in writing and dissemination of thought pieces that convey Foundation learning and positions on a range of topics.
• Engage with Communications and Thought Leadership teams to creatively highlight research findings in non-traditional means that target our core audiences.
• Represent the Foundation at relevant sector events, including relevant research conferences, convenings and program-related events.
• Network and liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders regarding the Foundation’s research approach and priorities, including colleagues, implementation partners, research partners, young people, other donors, and other development sector organizations.

Focus

• One position will focus on building partnerships and networks, addressing the Changing Nature of Work. Prior experience/knowledge of issues related to the future of work, including technology, climate change, and scenario planning would be an asset.
• One position will focus on strengthening research institutions and networks. Prior experience/knowledge of institutional strengthening initiatives and approaches is required.

WHO YOU ARE

• Graduate degree in a related discipline such as Development Studies, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, International Affairs, etc. PhD degree is an asset.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in one or more core areas of the Foundation’s work, including private sector development, employment creation, financial inclusion, education systems and policy, digital economy, and/or youth development.
• Five – ten years of experience in research and/or evaluation.
• Excellent analytical and interpretive skills with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information and communicate effectively.
• Knowledge and experience in research methods, including qualitative and/or quantitative approaches. Experience with mixed methods approaches and new technologies in data collection, synthesis and analysis is highly valued.
• Knowledge of research ethics, including institutional review boards, government ethics approvals, and integrating ethics considerations in research and evaluation practices.
• Excellent project management skills with a high tolerance for ambiguity, with a proven ability to manage multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Astute ability to adapt to changing priorities within a fast-paced and results-driven work environment with a “roll up the sleeves” attitude.
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills with demonstrated experience collaborating effectively across multiple functions/geographies with both internal/external partners.
• Deep sense of curiosity with an interest in learning and ability to turn learnings into actionable strategies.
• Exceptional cross-cultural skills and demonstrated commitment to gender inclusion and youth engagement.
• Strong service orientation with experience understanding and addressing user needs.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English; French is an asset.
• Conscientious and methodical with an impeccable attention to detail.
• High level of proficiency with MS Suite (Office 365, SharePoint)
• Knowledge of tools and software programs for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Professional maturity and sensitivity to working within different cultures.
• Impeccable integrity.
• Willingness and ability to travel, up to 20%.
• Senior Managers: proven capability to lead a team of direct reports.
• You are flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• You possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• You possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.

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/or proof of education, as well as background checks (criminal, credit and social media) are essential conditions of employment.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience in a confidential manner.

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Reporting to the Associate Director, Programs, the Senior Program Manager will be responsible for a portfolio of existing Rural and Agricultural Finance programs and partnerships. They will work collaboratively with the Agriculture Technical Expertise Group Lead and other Foundation staff.

The Senior Program Manager will be expected to provide expertise to identify constraints that prevent agricultural systems from functioning effectively at the country level, including, those that prevent youth from developing skills relevant for work in the sector; agribusinesses from accessing the finance; capacity and markets needed to grow; the development and design of programs in the agricultural sector and incorporating the agricultural sector’s needs into country strategies.

This individual will be expected to interact effectively with senior levels of partner organizations to advance the current work of the Foundation, while concurrently contributing to the Foundation’s country strategy development and new programs.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Identify challenges and opportunities in the agri-food system that can be unlocked through education, labour and financial systems, to drive job growth.
• Provide agricultural sector expertise to support Foundation country teams in the design and management of agricultural and agri-finance programs to scale country-level inclusive education, financial and labour systems in Africa.
• Work closely with Country Team leads, Technical Expertise Groups, and other team members in the development or implementation of new programs, including co-creation of programs and due diligence of potential partners and projects
• Provide perspective and expertise on emerging issues and trends in the agricultural and agri-finance sector, including climate change.
• Lead and supervise small teams of colleagues and/or junior experts by providing coaching and support necessary for success and growth.
• Manage current programs, distilling learnings for Foundation staff and country teams.  Includes oversight of day-to-day activities of particular programs or processes, conducting field visits, and reviewing project budgets.
• Communicate progress and learnings from projects to foundation colleagues and the wider development community.
• Contribute insights to the Foundation’s thought leadership on youth employment in Africa.
• Work closely with the program and country teams to leverage synergies across programs and across geographies.
• Build relationships with partner organizations, communities of practice, and global stakeholders.
• Represent the Foundation and collaborate with key internal and external audiences.
• Identify and help overcome challenges and other barriers to team effectiveness.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Finance, Business, Agricultural Economics and/or Financial Inclusion.
• Ten (10) plus years of experience in financing agricultural companies and farmers is required. This experience could include project management and/or field experience working in developing countries.
• Minimum of five (5) years leadership and management experience including managing staff and coaching, mentoring and providing feedback.
• Experience working in commercial agricultural companies operational in Africa
• Experience living and working in Africa.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the role of financial inclusion in economic growth and development, particularly in Africa, and as it relates to small holder farmers.
• Understands market and systemic challenges to financial inclusion for rural and agricultural economics in Africa and best practices for addressing them, including M4P (Markets for the Poor) and facilitating market systems.
• Experience and understanding in a variety of value chains (cash and food crops), the small businesses and SMEs along the value chain, and supply chain / logistics in the agri-food system.
• Understanding of the role agri-food and rural SMEs can play in economic transformation and job creation for youth.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of agricultural markets in Africa and the systemic challenges leading to stagnant growth. Possesses understanding and knowledge of current trends and innovations in agri-finance for value chains, agri SMEs, smallholder farmers and youth engaged in the agri-food system. Experience with global grant making, especially in designing market systems development programs. This experience may come from working in another funding organization, corporation or an NGO.
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development
• Demonstrates strong budgeting skills with the ability to manage a large portfolio of assets.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate progress and learnings from projects to colleagues and the wider development community.
• Demonstrates experience in translating technical advice into practical recommendations for program managers and implementers. Command of quantitative and qualitative business analytics.
• Excellent project management skills, including multi-stakeholder projects.
• Proactive, engaged and a self-starter.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Bilingual English and French oral and written language skills preferred.
• Willing to travel up to 40% of the time.
• You are flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• You possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• You possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.

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/or proof of education, as well as background checks (criminal, credit and social media) are essential conditions of employment.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience in a confidential manner.

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