Director, Cybersecurity, Modernization & Innovation

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 professional in technology transformation and digital security looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Senior Director, Cybersecurity, the Director, Cybersecurity, Modernization & Innovation will be responsible for driving the transformation and enhancement of the organization's cybersecurity posture. This role involves overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge security technologies, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and ensuring robust security measures are integrated into all digital initiatives.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Act as a trusted advisor to business units, providing expert guidance on cybersecurity matters. Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to align cybersecurity goals with business objectives.
• Lead the execution of cybersecurity modernization projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate advanced security solutions into existing systems, proactively identifying risks and removing barriers.
• Establish and refine enterprise-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of cybersecurity efforts. Deliver executive-level reporting on cybersecurity maturity, progress, and challenges to provide actionable insights for senior leadership and the board.
• Develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity training programs for employees and external partners. Promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness through regular workshops, seminars, and communication campaigns.
• Champion the adoption of advanced security technologies and frameworks, staying ahead of the evolving threat landscape. Lead the evaluation and implementation of enterprise-scale AI governance strategies and collaborate with technology leaders to drive secure digital transformation while balancing innovation and risk management.
• Work with teams across DDIT to integrate robust security into digital initiatives, including cloud migrations and new technologies. Ensure that cybersecurity considerations are embedded in all stages of digital transformation projects.
• Collaborate with internal change management teams to ensure smooth, sustainable implementation of cybersecurity transformation initiatives. Manage the human aspect of change, ensuring that employees are engaged and supportive of new cybersecurity measures.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field. Advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or a related discipline preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CCSP, or equivalent are strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in information security risk management, with the ability to integrate risk management strategies within a partner-focused cybersecurity framework.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance principles, with experience in establishing standards and practices relevant to external Partners.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the Foundation and with external Partners.
• Proven track record of managing complex, high-impact cybersecurity initiatives and driving results in a multi-national, mission-driven environment.
  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound, strategic decisions in high-stakes environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Foundation's equity, inclusion, and social impact values, with a passion for driving positive change and empowering underserved communities globally.

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/
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