Senior Legal Counsel

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 looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Director, Legal, Pan-African Programs and Education & Transitions, the Senior Legal Counsel will provide high-quality legal advice and support to key stakeholders within the Foundation’s business across Africa with specific dedication to the Pan-African Programs (PANA) and Education & Transitions (E&T) teams. You will also be responsible for reviewing and advising on vendor contracts and, where relevant, funding contracts and providing post-contracting legal support for the PANA and E&T portfolios.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Act as business partner to program and finance colleagues working on the PANA and E&T teams.
• Collaborate with the Legal and Compliance team to provide support to program teams in reviewing funding proposals and new program areas, particularly with respect to compliance with local jurisdictional considerations across Africa. This role will work closely with one or more Canadian licenced counterparts.
• Provide legal support on programs post-contracting and other transactions related to the Foundation’s PANA & E&T operations. .
• Proactively identify, analyze, and respond to legislative developments across Africa affecting or that may affect PANA and E&T programs.
• Provide support in policy discussions and negotiations with officials internally and externally.
• Develop relationships with members of the legal profession and lawyers working in external law firms and/or partner agencies in program countries.
• Monitor contract and general program compliance on project implementation and related risk management issues.
• Ensure contracts align with the Foundation policies, procedures, and strategic objectives.
• Provide legal support on projects, programs post contracting and other transactions related to the Foundation’s Africa operations as they relate to the PANA and E&T programs.
• Support the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Legal and Compliance Team to maintain and upgrade legal documentation.
• Champion a value-based compliance culture as our organization evolves.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be required and as directed by the Foundation from time to time.

WHO YOU ARE

• Degree in law or equivalent (LLB or JD) and qualified to practice law in a country in Africa in which the Foundation has a presence. Qualification to practice law in Ontario or another province or territory of Canada will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working in a reputable firm or in-house position with a demonstrated record of success.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).
• Based in or willing to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda.
• Experience in Canadian charity law and fluency in French will be an added advantage.
• Strong leadership, organizational and analytical skills, drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills and is open and receptive to feedback.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute various job duties and changing priorities.
• Proven excellence in verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to various constituents across cultures and distill complex information and data into accessible conversation and written pieces.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• You have 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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