Lead, Programming Excellence

Opportunity Overview

Reporting to the Head of Programming Excellence, this leadership role is responsible for steering and coordinating excellence in programming across all Foundation programs. The successful candidate will improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality assurance of the entire program lifecycle and partner engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of Foundation-wide programming processes, standards, and capacity building initiatives.
• Collaborate with various delivery platforms to maintain consistent quality while scaling programs that create dignified work for youth.
• Oversee program management and implementation processes, policies, and guidelines, working closely with enabling functions to ensure organizational cohesion.
• Manage and standardize program implementation processes, policies, guidelines, and post-design enhancements to align with the Programming for Impact framework.
• Own and maintain tools, templates, and guidelines to guarantee standardization in programming, coordinating with Operational Excellence teams.
• Optimize workflows, documents, tools, and reduce process turnaround times to enhance the partner experience.
• Partner with Program Finance to track, measure, and improve programming process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement process enhancements based on constructive feedback and recommendations.
• Govern updates and revisions of programmatic policies and processes in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor the adoption and consistency of program-wide policies and implement changes aligned with evolving programming needs.
• Curate content for the Program Academy to support team capability building, onboarding, and continuous learning.
• Champion capability development within Program teams via training sessions, workshops, and learning initiatives, collaborating with People & Culture and the Foundation Academy.
• Work with People & Culture to embed lessons learned into programming practices.

Candidate Profile

• A university degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline; a Master’s degree will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in program delivery with at least 2 years in leadership roles within a multi-country African context; private sector experience is preferred.
• Background in partnership management, process design, and program management within nonprofits, international NGOs, or learning institutions is beneficial.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Strong coordination, project planning, and program management capabilities.
• Advanced skills in process mapping and management.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities with keen attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Experience in strategic systems thinking to design programs addressing root causes in diverse ecosystems.
• Deep understanding of youth employment issues and trends across Africa.
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading expertise.
• Strategic and critical thinker with rich programmatic experience and planning capabilities.
• Expert in cross-functional coordination, collaboration, and process improvement implementation.
• Familiarity with Foundation procedures with openness to innovate and enhance them.
• Strong partnership orientation with the ability to align diverse stakeholders towards shared goals.
• Skilled communicator and influencer across all organizational levels and external partners.
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder relationships involving senior Foundation and external leaders.
• Ability to foster collaboration in complex, fast-changing environments.
• Results-focused with exceptional attention to detail and pragmatic decision-making skills.
• Professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity aligning with the Foundation's values.
• Commitment to the Mastercard Foundation’s mission and values.

Additional Information

The role is based in one of the Foundation’s African offices, preferably Accra, Ghana. The Mastercard Foundation embraces diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing an accessible workplace. Employment is contingent on the successful completion of background and reference checks.