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THE OPPORTUNITY Reporting to the Head, Entrepreneurship Development, the Lead, Market Systems Development plays a crucial role in orchestrating and delivering substantial program initiatives, using leadership skills to unite diverse stakeholders towards impactful outcomes. The role leverages strategic influence and collaboration without direct authority, requiring skilled negotiation, persuasion, and innovative problem-solving. It also requires proficiency in programming, program design, and implementation to ensure that projects align with strategic objectives and are delivered efficiently and effectively. WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE Program design and management Lead the conceptualization and design of innovative development programs, applying a deep understanding of market systems and stakeholder needs to create scalable and sustainable solutions. Use rigorous data analysis and sector insights to align program designs with local and international development objectives and enable transformative impact. Strategically design, implement, and evaluate large-scale development programs, aligning governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners around common goals through influence and consensus-building. Use persuasive communication and strategic thinking to foster collaboration and oversee planning, monitoring, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring objectives are achieved on time, within budget, and for maximum impact. Stakeholder engagement and negotiation Build and maintain robust relationships with all program stakeholders. Employ expert negotiation skills to resolve conflicts, secure necessary resources, and strengthen program effectiveness. Manage stakeholders and build effective partnerships through influence, persuasion, and collaboration without direct authority. Capacity building and coaching Strengthen the capabilities of partner organizations through systematic coaching, training, and technical assistance. Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills to build the consortium’s overall capability and resilience. Impact measurement Implement rigorous methods for tracking, evaluating, and reporting on program progress and outcomes. Use data-driven insights to guide strategic adjustments and promote continuous improvement. Advocacy and representation Represent the Foundation prominently at public forums, conferences, workshops, and other stakeholder engagements. Communicate program benefits effectively and advocate for supportive policies and further investment. WHO YOU ARE Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred. Minimum of 12 years of experience leading and managing large-scale development programs, preferably in diverse and dynamic settings. Technical knowledge, or access to relevant expertise, in market systems, resilience concepts, private sector development, and sustainable development in fragile socioeconomic ecosystems. Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders and build partnerships without direct authority. Strong leadership skills, with the capacity to influence, persuade, and negotiate effectively. Proven expertise in program management, program design and implementation, strategic planning, and organizational dynamics. Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking to complex development challenges. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including senior government and business leaders. Proactive, driven, and able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. High degree of professionalism and integrity, aligned with the Foundation’s values and commitment to quality. Ability to navigate complex environments, promote innovative practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Experience in capacity building, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement. Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage. 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 The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership. Learn More The Foundation operates within the Indigenous communities in Canada to deliver on our EleV strategy and bold goal of enabling 100,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education, access economic opportunities and drive meaningful change in their communities by 2030. Across Africa, the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy aims to spur systemic change to enable young people the opportunity to find meaningful work that is dignified and fulfilling. The Young Africa Works strategy sets out an ambitious goal for the next decade: by 2030, our work will enable 30 million young people in Africa, especially young women, to secure employment they see as dignified and fulfilling. These programs are in partnership with the relevant government entities, communities, institutions, and individuals – ensuring that the Foundation delivers on its mission of collaboration and co-creation with those whose voices need to be heard the most, and can be change agents for themselves, their families, and communities. Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. We are ambitious and driven. Our values transcend and rise above everything else as our guide. We encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. We are a team. Our journey together makes our impact even more meaningful. Learn More
Mastercardfoundation
Nigeria, Nigeria
Lead Market Systems Development.
SENIOR LEVEL