Finance Lead, Country Programs

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 finance professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Finance & Accounting, the Finance Lead will partner with the Country Program Leads in the management of the end-to-end financial programmatic processes (from Roadmap development to Delivery). You will ensure that the programs are adequately funded to achieve intended outcomes (Budgeting) and that the funding is being utilized to deliver the intended outcome by employing appropriate risk management systems through program monitoring & Reporting to aid decision making. The Lead will safeguard the Foundation’s Financial resources by maintaining a sound control environment, ensuring the programs are compliant with CRA regulations and providing stewardship on risk Management to their partners.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Manage the full cycle of Finance program partner contracts, including EOI, proposal, contract approval, due diligence, budget reviews, program execution, completion, and monitoring.
• Analyze financial performance against forecast and budget, investigate variances, communicate findings, and make recommendations to programs and partners.
• Identify and provide financial advice on funding terms, taxation, Accounting Standards, and other relevant regulations/legislation.
• Ensure timely disbursements of funds to support program objectives and outcomes.
• Guide and train external program partners on budgeting, reporting, due diligence, financial controls, and Canadian regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial expertise and advice to the Foundation's Programs team on programming strategies.
• Maintain accurate and timely financial documentation, reporting on contract commitments, disbursements, and cash flow projections.
• Continuously monitor and report on financial performance to ensure resources are utilized effectively.
• Ensure adequate financial controls and compliance with CRA requirements for books and records.
• Maintain accurate financial data in the management grants system.
• Ensure adequate business controls are in place to protect the Foundation’s assets.
• Ensure compliance with local and international financial regulations, including CRA, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism laws.
• Provide periodic reporting on partner finance matters and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
• Troubleshoot and manage financial issues that arise during program implementation.
• Lead comprehensive program assessment processes, ensuring quality control of due diligence assessments.
• Drive the annual due diligence review process and update yearly work plans with the Program team and partners.
• Perform due diligence on partners, including financial statement evaluation, tax return reviews, financial capacity assessments, and watchlist screening.
• Assess alignment with charity law in collaboration with the Legal & Compliance teams.
• Provide financial insights to support decision-making in program finance.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s financial planning and budgeting within required timelines.
• Provide monthly financial forecasts on commitments and disbursements for the assigned portfolio.
• Generate monthly financial reports with analysis and insights for resource allocation decisions.
• Manage analysts and interns assisting with program finance tasks, assigning work and reviewing outputs.
• Cultivate relationships with regional partners to ensure good governance and achievement of strategic objectives.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; MBA is an added advantage.
• Professional accounting qualification and a member of a relevant professional body, such as CPA, ACCA, etc.
• A Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the development sector is an added advantage.
• At least 1-3 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Financial Internal Controls Management,
  • Financials Reporting & Analysis experience including Budgeting, Financial Forecasting,
  • Advanced analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills,
  • financial modelling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting and cash flow information.
• Identify & mitigate operational, financial and business risks.
• Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
• Determine and apply correct accounting treatments, a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
• Fluent in English; French is an added advantage.
• Strong organizational skills with detail-orientation, good follow-through, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to influence people, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
• Able to exercise a high level of judgment in making decisions or recommendations based on analysis of data & deriving insights from the data.
• Good problem-solving skills and other competencies (Leadership, Behavioural)
• 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 21, 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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