Legal Counsel, Shared Services

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.

If you are an experienced Legal Counsel professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Director, Legal Shared Services, the Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing a high-quality legal advice and support to key stakeholders within the Foundation’s business across Africa. This role is also responsible for reviewing and advising on vendor contracts and supporting operations of the Foundation in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including privacy and data protection, and providing general legal support, with a focus on Africa operations.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Provide legal support on non-charitable projects and transactions related to the Foundation’s operations.
• Participate in various operational projects as legal support for the Foundation and advise in ensuring compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify, analyze and respond to legislative developments affecting the Foundation’s operations, with particular focus on privacy and data protection regulatory compliance.
• Support with negotiation and review vendor contracts and communicate feedback appropriately.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance team members in providing support to country and functional teams on operational regulatory compliance.
• Champion a values-based compliance culture as our organization evolves.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance Team to maintain and upgrade vendor contract templates.
• Support the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures.
• In partnership with the business leaders and external partners co-create the design and support the implementation of Compliance programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal team (including Digital, Data and Information Technology Team) and external stakeholders.

WHO YOU ARE

• Degree in law (LLB or JD) is required.
• Member in good standing of a Law Society (Bar).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a reputable firm or in-house position with a demonstrated record of success in Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing or supporting privacy and data protection programs, and key legal and regulatory considerations relevant to Africa.
• Experience in charitable and non-profit law is preferred.
• Experience working in a start-up or ‘build’ environment.
• Strong data protection regulatory compliance knowledge, and contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership, organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills and is open and receptive to feedback.
• Ability to challenge appropriately and voice alternative perspectives and viewpoints.
• Ability to exercise appropriate and sound judgement and discretion in dealing with legal matters.
• Results driven; motivated by a high sense of performance excellence and a sense of urgency.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial; can formulate and develop new or creative approaches to problems and inspires others on the team to do so as well.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is March 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

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