The Mastercard Foundation is currently hiring for several senior and strategic positions across Africa and Canada. These roles offer the opportunity to work with a globally respected organization dedicated to advancing education, youth employment, and inclusive development.
The Foundation provides a collaborative, innovative work environment with the chance to create meaningful, long-term impact.
Open Positions
1. Consultant, Head – Innovation Labs
Location: Africa (Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria)
Job Type: Full Time | 1-Year Contract
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Role Overview:
This role leads innovation projects from incubation through scaling, ensuring disciplined execution and strong collaboration with internal and external partners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end innovation projects and ensure timely delivery
- Manage incubation, rollout, and scaling of initiatives
- Strengthen the Innovation Labs operating model
- Identify new innovation opportunities aligned with Foundation strategy
- Lead thematic initiatives and strategic partnerships
- Manage talent and contribute to broader organizational priorities
Candidate Profile:
- Advanced degree in innovation, development, economics, or related fields
- Extensive experience in impact-driven programs, particularly in Africa
- Proven leadership in multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Strong understanding of African contexts, youth engagement, and technology trends
- Excellent English communication skills; French is an asset
2. Director – Higher Education Strengthening
Location: Africa or Toronto, Canada
Job Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: January 21, 2026
Role Overview:
This position leads efforts to strengthen higher education systems across Africa, supporting university partnerships aligned with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead university collaboratives and ensure measurable impact
- Build and manage strategic partnerships with higher education institutions
- Develop impact measurement and learning frameworks
- Oversee budgets, proposals, and reporting
- Support policy development and thought leadership
- Lead and mentor cross-country teams
Candidate Profile:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, or PhD in education, development, or related fields
- 15+ years of leadership experience in education or youth development
- Proven ability to manage large-scale programs and partnerships
- Deep knowledge of African higher education systems
- Fluency in English; French or local languages are an asset
3. Director – Higher Education Health Collaboratives
Location: Africa or Toronto, Canada
Job Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: January 21, 2026
Role Overview:
The Director will lead health workforce development initiatives through university partnerships, driving impact-focused health education programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee health education collaboratives
- Manage partnerships with universities and health institutions
- Develop impact frameworks and facilitate collaboration
- Contribute to policy discussions and sector thought leadership
- Lead teams and support organizational change
Candidate Profile:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in health, development, or related fields
- 15+ years’ experience in health, education, or social development
- Strong leadership in multi-stakeholder programs in Africa
- Excellent partnership and influencing skills
- Fluency in English; French or local languages preferred
4. Head – People & Culture Business Partner (PAC, Assurance & Risk Management)
Location: Kigali (Rwanda), Kenya, Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Kampala (Uganda)
Job Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: January 22, 2026
Role Overview:
This role provides strategic HR leadership across key Foundation functions, focusing on workforce planning, talent management, and organizational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership
- Lead organizational design and workforce planning
- Oversee talent acquisition, performance, and reward processes
- Develop HR policies and ensure compliance
- Support employee engagement and change initiatives
- Analyze HR data and reporting
Candidate Profile:
- Postgraduate degree in HR, Business, or related fields
- 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
- Strong regional experience in Africa
- Proven expertise in HR transformation and organizational change
- Fluency in English; French or local languages preferred
5. Head – People & Culture Business Partner (Rwanda & Impact, Evidence & Learning)
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Job Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: January 27, 2026
Role Overview:
This position supports Rwanda country programs and the Impact, Evidence & Learning function, focusing on HR strategy and organizational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
- Partner with leadership on HR strategy implementation
- Lead talent management and organizational design initiatives
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations
- Manage learning and development programs
- Support change management and performance initiatives
- Develop HR metrics and reports
Candidate Profile:
- 10–15 years of senior-level HR experience
- Strong regional experience in Africa
- Proven leadership in HR strategy and organizational change
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Fluency in English; French or local languages are an asset
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official Mastercard Foundation Careers portal:
https://mastercardfoundation.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/mastercardfdn
