Head, Alternative Education Pathways at Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based across four hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi, Kenya, Accra, Ghana and Toronto, Canada. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Alternative Education Pathways

Job Requisition ID: JR-0000000366
Location: Lagos
Job type: Full-time
Report to: Director, Secondary Education and TVSD Initiatives

The Opportunity

• This role is responsible for leading the Alternative Education pathways program area, focused on providing education pathways for out-of-school youth.
• This includes the expansion of the Foundation’s signature blended learning initiative, Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) and leading the development and management of a future pipeline of alternative education programs for out-of-school youth.   ​

Responsibilities
How you can Contribute:

• Work closely with other Secondary Education and TVSD unit Heads (Girls Education, Access and Success and TVSD Initiatives) to contribute to ongoing program strategy development and evolution, as a member of the Secondary Education and TVSD Initiatives Leadership team  
• Oversee and lead the expansion of the RISE initiative, collaborating closely with Mastercard Foundation Country Team education and workforce development leads, key government stakeholders and implementing organizations.
• Lead the Alternative Education Pathways team in the design and implementation of RISE initiatives in non-presence countries
• Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration in the design and implementation of program partnerships, with a focus on impact
• Track progress, manage KPIs and ensure high-quality delivery of Alternative Education Pathways programming. Set goals and targets for the portfolio and collaborate with the Impact Team to monitor progress and ensure the achievement of program objectives
• Facilitate coordination on EdTech integration across the CITL and Secondary Education and TVSD Initiatives teams.
• Oversee learning organizations providing technical support on MERL at the continental level
• Develop and manage consultancies
• Engage and share learning with counterparts across the Education and Transitions team, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for collaboration
• Provide ongoing guidance, advice, support and technical assistance to the Secondary Education and TVSD Initiatives team on alternative education programs, support for out of school youth, informal education and blended learning
• Advance thought leadership internally and externally on secondary level programs for out of school youth, working in close collaboration with Program Communications and the Policy and Thought Leadership teams, representing the Foundation in regional/national events
• Oversee the capture and dissemination of data and learning and ensure that insights and impact are routinely and effectively reported, and continually integrated into program design and implementation 
• Cultivate and manage relationships with eco-systems actors and education stakeholders to scale impact, representing the Foundation in continental/regional/local workshops, conferences and education fora
• Track team operations expenses and support budget forecasting in collaboration with Program Finance teams
• Facilitate connections, exchange and learning across the RISE partner network, including overseeing the planning and delivery of face-to-face convenings and virtual meetings.
• Identify and recruit talent, effectively lead colleagues, ensuring high quality of work, alignment with Foundation values, access to development opportunities and a supportive and collaborative work environment 

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, including education, economic development or a related social sciences field, is required
• A relevant professional qualification in program management would be an asset in this role
• Member of relevant professional bodies and networks
• Minimum of twelve (12) years overall experience, out of which at least five (5) years should be at the supervisory level
• Education sector experience, particularly in the areas of EdTech, alternative and informal education, programs targeting out-of-school youth, is highly desirable
• Experience managing a portfolio of programs across multiple countries, leading teams in the creation and building of new initiatives in a multi-cultural environment
• Extensive experience engaging with the senior leadership of development partners and education organizations, high-level government representatives and the private sector
• Experience building and managing high performing teams in a fast-paced, fluid environment
• Experience working across cultures and geographies, experience living and working in Africa is required
• Experience and sensitivity to issues of safeguarding and inclusion; experience delivering programs for women, people with disabilities, and/or refugees and displaced youth highly desirable
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills with an established track record managing multi-location and virtual teams
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures
• Deep knowledge and understanding of key issues, emerging trends, opportunities and critical barriers facing out of school youth in Africa
• Excellent English language skills. French language skills would be a significant asset.
• Excellent analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and to contribute to the development of the Foundation’s strategy and approach
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Excellent ability to build effective working relationships with cross-functional teams  
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity.

Application Closing Date
28th August, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online