Job description

ABOUT MASTERCARD FOUNDATION 

The 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 digital & information professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Chief Digital & Information Officer, the   Senior Director, Digital and Technology will drive the strategic direction and implementation of digital and technology initiatives and services. S/he will oversee the development and execution of innovative digital strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. The Senior Director will lead a team of technology professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement to enhance our digital capabilities and maximize our impact, in alignment with the Technology Function’s strategy to the Foundation's goals, including its 2030 vision.

The successful candidate will be based in Canada or any of our offices in Africa (Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, or Uganda).  

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement digital strategies that leverage technology to advance the Foundation's mission and objectives.
• Oversee the design and management of digital solutions and platforms, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the organization and its stakeholders.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance on solution architecture, ensuring alignment with business requirements, industry best practices, and cybersecurity standards. 
• Lead the delivery of comprehensive Technology support services, including helpdesk support, incident management, and problem resolution, to ensure the smooth operation of digital systems and services.
• Accountable for the development and management of cloud and system infrastructure, leveraging cloud technologies to enhance flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with technology leaders to implement robust identity and access management frameworks and policies to safeguard organizational data and assets.
• Develop and maintain business continuity plans and processes to minimize disruptions and ensure the resilience of critical digital systems and infrastructure.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to digital and technology initiatives, ensuring compliance with relevant technology and cybersecurity standards and enterprise risk management.
• Lead the management support of enterprise applications, ensuring they align with organizational needs and deliver maximum value and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand their digital and technology needs, priorities, and challenges and provide strategic guidance and support.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree or MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in Technology, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. 
• Proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives and successfully implementing large-scale technology projects.
• Strong understanding of Technology infrastructure, software development, ITSM, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive innovation while managing day-to-day technology operations.
• Experience managing budgets and negotiating with vendors.
• Industry-specific knowledge and experience in non-profit roles is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Foundation's equity, inclusion, and social impact values, with a passion for driving positive change and empowering underserved communities globally.

How to apply

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. 

Shortlist (www.shortlist.net) is our exclusive recruitment partner for this role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is closed, though early applications are strongly encouraged. If you believe you meet the attributes and skills above, please click the above link to apply.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  In case you have any questions, please forward them via email along with your updated resume to the following addresses: