Lead, Project Management (6 months contract)

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.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Transformation Execution, the Lead, Project Management will work across Digital and Data Information Technology (DDIT) to manage end-to-end execution of technology projects and initiatives. The role's core responsibility is delivering technology projects according to pre-defined timelines, budgets, and scope. The Project Lead will be key in coordinating cross-functional teams throughout project delivery. It will communicate project progress to relevant functions within the Foundation, including senior leadership. You will support the Foundation’s broader strategy by delivering technology projects enabling its core mission, including realizing its 2030 strategy.

If you're an experienced project lead looking to increase your impact, read on!

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Assist the Digital and Data Information Technology (DDIT) Business Partnering and Value Management team in developing business cases for projects, ensuring that project plans effectively respond to the foundation’s needs and align with the foundation’s strategy.
• Employ key project management techniques to drive the end-to-end execution and delivery of projects within the DDIT function. Ensure the project is executed according to the schedule, budget and resource allocation defined in the project plan.
• Identify and raise potential risks as they arise throughout project delivery, collaborating with other Project Leads and DDIT Risk and Governance Lead to ensure the foundation’s risk and compliance standards are consistently met.
• Ensure that project work is appropriately documented in accordance with pre-existing BAU reporting standards. Raise any concerns with the DDIT Risk and Governance lead and support resolution.  
• Maintain regular communication with the relevant project stakeholders within and outside the foundation, ensuring their expectations are managed and met.
• Work alongside sub-functions within the DDIT to co-create project delivery, utilizing best practice project management techniques to guide technical delivery efforts.
• Grow strong working relationships within the wider business and positively influence stakeholders to foster project buy-in and support.
• Manage the project team's day-to-day prioritization, encouraging collaborative working, retaining oversight of assigned tasks, and resolving any conflicts or blockers when they arise.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with further project management or other professional qualifications.
• 10+ years of experience in Technology Project Management, Project Execution or a similar role.
• Proficiency in core project management, including agile and waterfall methods, and awareness of best practices in this space.
• Proficiency in project management tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration platforms.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled communicator and influencer, able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from executive through to technical staff and other functions within the Foundation.
• Previous leadership experience. Capable of leading junior PMO team members and guiding their development by building supportive and productive team relationships.
• 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 7, 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/
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