Lead, Market Systems Development at MasterCard Foundation

MasterCard Foundation is a global foundation based across four hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi, Kenya, Accra, Ghana and Toronto, Canada. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Lead, Market Systems Development

Location: Lagos

The Opportunity

• Reporting to the Country Director, the Lead, Market Systems Development will spearhead significant program initiatives, uniting diverse stakeholders for impactful outcomes.
• S/he will leverage strategic influence, collaboration without direct authority, skilled negotiation, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and effective execution of projects through proficiency in programming, program design, and implementation.

Ways You Can Contribute

• Lead the conceptualization and design of innovative development programs, employing a deep understanding of market systems and stakeholder needs to create scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Utilize rigorous data analysis and sector insights to ensure program designs are strategically aligned with local and international development objectives, paving the way for transformative impact.
• Strategically design, implement, and evaluate large-scale development programs, aligning a diverse consortium of governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners towards common goals through influence and consensus-building.
• Utilize persuasive communication and strategic thinking to foster collaboration and oversee effective planning, monitoring, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring that all program objectives are met on time, within budget, and executed seamlessly for maximum impact.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with all program stakeholders. Employ expert negotiation skills to resolve conflicts, secure necessary resources, and boost program efficacy.
• Enhance the capabilities of partner organizations through systematic coaching and training. Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills to bolster the consortium’s overall capability and resilience.
• Implement rigorous methods for tracking and reporting on program progress. Use data-driven insights to guide strategic adjustments and promote continuous improvement.
• Serve as a prominent organization representative at public forums, conferences, and workshops. Effectively communicate the programs' advantages and advocate for supportive policies and further investments.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's Degree in International Development, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience leading and managing large-scale development programs, preferably in diverse settings.
• Technical knowledge in market systems, resilience concepts, private sector, and sustainable development in fragile socio-economic ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders and build partnerships without direct authority.
• Strong leadership skills with the capacity to influence, persuade, and negotiate effectively.
• Proven expertise in program management, strategic planning, and organizational dynamics.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in additional languages advantageous.
• Strategic and proactive problem-solving approach.
• Empathetic leadership style with a strong commitment to capacity building.
• Adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity.

Application Closing Date
22nd July, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online