Director, Program Communications, Pan African Programs

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 program communications professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Chief Public Affairs and Communication Officer, the Director, Program Communications, Pan African Programs will be responsible for developing program communications strategies and driving the implementation of initiatives within Pan African Programs delivery platform. This role leads the implementation of communications best practices, builds communications capacity within the program communications team, elevates the Foundation’s reputation and brand, and amplifies the impact of the Foundation’s work across Africa. 

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Develop and implement a strategic communication direction for Pan African Programs (PANA), aligning with program objectives.
• Provide strategic advice to Pan African Programs leaders.
• Manage and develop the communication team, fostering innovative communication models and channels.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and manage multi-stakeholder relationships to achieve strategic objectives.
• Craft and execute communication and storytelling campaigns targeting priority audiences, including governments, the private sector, funders, and young people.
• Support senior team members and subject matter experts, preparing them for effective engagement at major events and with the media.
• Improve communication quality through new skills, tools, and innovative methods.
• Develop systems and tools to ensure consistent messaging across mediums, forums, and countries.
• Align key partnerships with the Foundation’s values and objectives.
• Manage budgets for the Pan African Programs Communications portfolio.
• Engage with key stakeholders, especially women and young people, and cultivate relationships with media personnel to shape the Foundation’s image.
• Facilitate the engagement of leaders in high-impact forums to advance thought leadership aligned with core programs.
• Work with youth ambassadors and young people in the Foundation’s programs to elevate their voices and views.
• Build and support teams in effective internal and external communication, including crisis resolution.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous learning.

WHO YOU ARE

• Master's degree in communications or a related field, with a relevant professional qualification. Membership in a relevant professional body.
• Minimum of 15 years of overall experience, including at least 5 years in management.
• Experience working in Africa for a global or regional organization in the private sector or an NGO, with valued experience in senior management or government/public sector engagement.
• Proven experience working with senior teams and providing strategic counsel.
• Expertise in building communications capacity at various organizational levels.
• Experience living/working in a global context.
• Strong ability to develop and execute communication strategies with measurable results.
• Proficiency in digital and social media, particularly in reaching young people and targeted audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong interpersonal and listening abilities.
• Highly creative, flexible, and an excellent storyteller with a progressive approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is August 30, 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

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

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Last updated on Aug 12, 2024