Executive Assistant

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.

UNDERSTANDING CANADA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 100,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities. We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth. In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation. While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.

UNDERSTANDING AFRICA PROGRAMS 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 Executive Assistant looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Senior Director, Canada Programs, the Executive Assistant will be responsible for providing comprehensive administrative support, including meeting and event scheduling and travel coordination. The role will also lead the coordination of the Foundation's internal matters in close alignment with other Executive Assistants and Foundation staff.  

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Manage and coordinate internal and external events/meetings for the Senior Director, ensuring effectiveness, prioritization, and accessibility.
• Provide liaison and administrative coordination for the Canada Program team, supporting integrated program staff in Canada.
• Prepare and coordinate pre-read materials, confirm agendas, and capture action items for all Canada Program and Integrated Program meetings.
• Ensure timely distribution of meeting notes and follow up on post-meeting actions to support the Senior Director and designated staff.
• Coordinate logistics, including room bookings, catering, and refreshments for meetings and events.
• Manage and coordinate travel arrangements, including accommodation, transportation, and visa/immunization requirements.
• Prepare and submit expense reports accurately and efficiently in line with organizational policies.
• Manage the program team calendar, prioritizing and resolving scheduling conflicts as needed.
• Facilitate and coordinate internal communication within the Canada Programs team and the broader Canada office.
• Maintain and organize shared folders used by the Canada Programs team.
• Compose routine correspondence to support interactions with internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Support the coordination and compilation of materials for Foundation Board and PST reporting.
• Build and maintain relationships with executive assistants and offices of key Foundation partners and stakeholders.
• Provide backup support to other Foundation executive assistants/administrators as needed.

 WHO YOU ARE

• College diploma or university degree in a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant in a fast-paced environment, preferably with local experience.
• Strong prioritization, time management, planning, and logistical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English (written and spoken) with the ability to work under pressure.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Office 365, and SharePoint.
• Detail-oriented with a proven ability to consistently produce high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple projects.
• Well-established networks of service contractors, relevant stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Possesses professional maturity, sensitivity to diverse cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is February 20, 2025.

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".