Program Lead, Creatives

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 professional in workforce development looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Executive Director, Country Programs, the Program Lead plays a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and overseeing entrepreneurship programs that foster the development of creative industries, sustainable destinations, and the experience economy. By collaborating with partners and teams within the Entrepreneurship Portfolio, the Program Lead ensures integration and synergy across key areas such as Agrifood Systems, Digital Economy, Workforce Development, and Sandbox initiatives.

This role focuses on empowering youth and MSMEs to harness cultural, digital, and market opportunities, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The Lead also manages relationships with implementing partners, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and contributing to systemic changes that promote equitable economic development.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Lead the design and rollout of programs for MSMEs in creative industries, destination management, and the experience economy.
• Ensure alignment with organizational priorities, including sustainability, inclusion, and youth entrepreneurship.
• Develop and refine strategies for creative and experiential markets, with a focus on young women.
• Manage relationships with implementing partners, providing strategic guidance and capacity-building support.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, private sector actors, cultural institutions, and community organizations.
• Collaborate across teams (Ecosystem Development, Agrifood Systems, Digital Economy, Workforce Development) to integrate digital tools, tourism, and skills development into entrepreneurship programs.
• Promote market access by connecting MSMEs to value chains, experiential offerings, and emerging opportunities.
• Advocate for policies that support the creative economy, sustainable tourism, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
• Track program impact, ensure alignment with KPIs, and share insights to refine strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and lead workshops to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

WHO YOU ARE

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in creative industries, tourism & hospitality, destination development, or entrepreneurship programs.
• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Tourism Management, Creative Industries, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, with experience in cross-sector collaboration.
• Familiarity with digital tools, market systems, and community-based approaches to economic development.
• Strong preference for previous experience in destination development, cultural heritage preservation, and creative economy frameworks.
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to foster partnerships and facilitate collaboration.
• Ability to identify and implement innovative approaches to creative and experiential entrepreneurship.
• Familiarity with emerging trends in creative and experience economies, such as digital platforms, eco-tourism, and cultural innovation.
• Strong analytical skills to identify opportunities for cross-program integration and systemic change.
• Experience in advocating for systemic changes and strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Effective communication skills to represent the organization and influence stakeholders.
• 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.
• 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/
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