Expression of Interest - Executive Assistants

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.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

We are proactively building a talent pipeline for future Executive Assistant opportunities within the Mastercard Foundation. By submitting your profile, you express interest in joining a dynamic and mission-driven team dedicated to making a lasting impact.

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

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Executive Assistant will be responsible for providing executive and administrative support to Senior Leaders within the Foundation's different functions to achieve the Foundation’s strategy and goals. This role requires interaction with multiple countries, departments, and stakeholders, ensuring the leaders can function effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. The Executive Assistant will represent the office of Senior Leaders, interact with senior and diverse stakeholders, manage communication, coordinate schedules, prepare reports, and oversee special projects across different time zones. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion. The ideal candidate can operate independently, are culturally astute and exert influence as required.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring effective and smooth coordination on all aspects of their work.
• Participate in and support the completion of core functional projects.
• Manage calendars, including scheduling meetings and regional activities, ensuring schedules are followed and respected.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, such as room bookings, refreshments, and document preparation.
• Plan and organize high-profile events, meetings, and conferences, ensuring attention to detail and effective coordination of all logistical aspects.
• Prepare agendas, take and distribute meeting minutes, and follow up on key action items.
• Manage travel arrangements, including global travel, accommodations, transport, visas, and immunizations.
• Oversee administrative tasks, including processing expense reports per organizational policies.
• Liaise with public affairs & communications, and colleagues regarding functional communications and handle correspondence distribution.
• Plan, organize, and maintain accurate documentation, including reports and databases.
• Build and sustain relationships with employees, external stakeholders, and the public on behalf of the leaders.
• Support budget preparation, forecasting, and financial management processes.
• Provide backup to other executive administrators as needed.

 WHO YOU ARE 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Communication, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant supporting Senior Executives in a global organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and time management as well as work independently on multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to draft and edit professional documents.
• Proficiency in English, with additional language skills i.e. French is an added advantage
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexible, adaptable with proven ability to work with stakeholders across multiple countries and cultures.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Office 365, and SharePoint).
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

 Deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest application is October 3, 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

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