Head, Technical and Vocational Skills Development (TVSD) Initiatives job at Mastercard Foundation

Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, March 18 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
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 Technical and Vocational Skills Development expert looking to build something new and increase your impact, read on!
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Director, Secondary Education, the Head, Technical and Vocational Skills Development (TVSD) Initiatives will oversee developing and effectively managing country, multi-country, and Pan-African Technical and Vocational Skills Development initiatives.
The successful candidate will be based in one of our offices in Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, or Senegal)

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
• Collaborate with the heads of Secondary Education units (Girls' Education, Access, and Success) as part of the Secondary Education Leadership team to shape and evolve program strategy.
• Oversee the design and implementation of Technical and Vocational Skills Development (TVSD) programs across the continent, ensuring high-quality delivery and progress tracking.
• Set portfolio goals and work with the Impact Team to monitor and achieve program objectives.
• Coordinate with Mastercard Foundation Country Program teams on local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skills development initiatives.
• Oversee learning organizations providing technical support on Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) at the continental level.
• Develop and manage consultancies.
• Share learning and collaborate with counterparts across the Education and Transitions team.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to the Secondary Education team on TVSD.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration in program partnerships with a focus on impact.
• Promote thought leadership on secondary-level TVSD in partnership with Program Communications and Policy teams.
• Ensure data and learning are captured, reported, and integrated into program design and implementation.
• Build relationships with ecosystem actors and education stakeholders, representing the Foundation at workshops, conferences, and education forums.
• Track team operations expenses and support budget forecasting with Program Finance teams.
• Facilitate exchange and learning across the TVSD partner network, including organizing convenings and virtual meetings.
• Recruit talent, lead colleagues effectively, and ensure alignment with Foundation values while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

WHO YOU ARE
• A master’s degree in education, economic development, or a related social sciences field is required, along with relevant professional qualifications in program management (an added advantage).
• Membership in relevant professional bodies and networks is advantageous.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory role, with a proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams in fast-paced, multi-cultural environments.
• Strong experience in education, particularly in technical and vocational skills development, secondary and/or higher education, and managing portfolios across multiple countries.
• Extensive experience engaging with senior leadership in development partners, education organizations, high-level government representatives, and the private sector.
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills, especially in managing multi-location and virtual teams.
• Experience working across cultures and geographies, with a requirement of living and working in Africa.
• Strong communication and analytical skills, with the ability to articulate information across diverse cultures and think strategically to contribute to the Foundation’s development.
• Proficiency in English is required; French is a significant asset.
• Deep knowledge of key issues, trends, and challenges in skills development in Africa.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Demonstrate commitment to the Mastercard Foundation values.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

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