Mastercard Foundation Calls For Job Applications

February 5, 2026 11:12 am

Mastercard Foundation Calls For Job Applications

The Mastercard Foundation seeks a visionary and strategic leader for the pivotal role of Director, Climate Action. This senior position will architect and drive the Foundation’s comprehensive climate change initiatives across Africa. The Director will fundamentally shape strategies that mitigate climate impacts and champion environmental sustainability, all while advancing the core mission of creating dignified work for young women and men. Consequently, this role represents a unique opportunity to build a legacy of positive environmental and social impact at a continental scale.

Core Responsibilities

As the Director, you will provide expert leadership and build the Climate Action function from the ground up. Then, your primary mandate involves developing and implementing a bold Climate Action Strategy and Roadmap. This strategy must seamlessly integrate with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works framework.

Initially, you will design the strategic direction, recruit a talented team, and oversee a diverse portfolio of multi-country programs. Furthermore, you will lead high-level advocacy and forge powerful partnerships to maximize influence on climate-related issues. You will also continuously monitor global and local climate policy and science trends to dynamically inform the Foundation’s priorities.

A significant part of your role involves collaboration. You will work closely with the Executive Committee, the Pan African Programs team, Country Directors, and external partners to ensure aligned execution. Additionally, you will represent the Foundation as a key spokesperson at international conferences, policy discussions, and high-stakes meetings.

Key Areas of Leadership Focus:

Strategy & Program Oversight: Develop the climate action agenda and contribute to the consolidated Pan African Programs strategy, ensuring all initiatives deliver measurable impact.
Team Building & Management: Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of climate experts, setting clear goals and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
Partnership & Advocacy: Build and nurture strategic alliances with governments, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector to drive collaborative solutions.
Policy Influence: Actively advocate for progressive climate policies at national, continental, and global levels that support the Foundation’s vision.
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary climate spokesperson and oversee communication strategies that effectively highlight the Foundation’s impact and thought leadership.

Candidate Profile and Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert who combines deep climate knowledge with proven managerial acumen. You possess a Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Agriculture, Social Science, or a related field. Moreover, you bring a minimum of fifteen years of relevant experience, including at least five years in a senior leadership role within a comparable organization.

You demonstrate extensive, hands-on experience in climate action strategy and program design across the African continent. You also have a strong understanding of climate science, global policy landscapes, and the specific social and economic contexts of African nations. Experience integrating gender initiatives within climate action is a significant asset.

Essential Competencies and Skills:

Proven leadership and team management skills with a history of building high-performing teams.
Exceptional negotiation, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing long-term solutions.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse audiences.
High levels of professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering integrity.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills every individual brings. Moreover, we are deeply committed to maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for all team members.

How to Apply for this Mastercard Foundation Job

This is an exclusive search for a transformative leader. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare a comprehensive application demonstrating their alignment with this role’s significant responsibilities. Also, the Foundation will review applications with discretion and contact only shortlisted individuals for further discussions.

Click Here to Apply

Closing Date: 20 February 2026

NOTE:

Please be aware that employers typically receive a high volume of applications for each position and will only shortlist the most qualified candidates. Please note that NewsNowGh.com is not involved in the employer’s recruitment decisions and does not guarantee that applicants will be shortlisted or selected for any role.