September 8th, 2021 at 09:15 am
The Head of Program and Strategic Research at Mastercard Foundation will drive knowledge development specifically to support emerging Foundations programs and strategic needs to further Young Africa Works and other Foundations program objectives.
Head of Program and Strategic Research Details
The Head of Program and Strategic Research will in collaboration deliver the five-year research and knowledge development agenda and respond to immediate research questions, providing quality assurance for diagnostic, Research and Development, foresight and strategic research to enable programming across countries, regions and programs.
The Head of Program and Strategic Research will be based in Canada or any of our listed offices in Africa (Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana)
WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
- 10 to 12 years leadership experience in higher education, the social sciences, development and/or government or public policy within non-profit organizations, international NGOs and/or learning institutions.
- Collaborate with S &L, Impact & Programs teams to identify and address research questions to enhance effectiveness of programs and partnerships and alignment to the YAW strategy, EleV and other functional programs.
- Contribute to building a culture that encourages evidence-informed decision making.
- Work with team to lead, collate, commission, and synthesize research on programmatic, strategic, Scholars & other programs knowledge building including the understanding of country and regional contexts to support program co-design, implementation & review processes.
- The Head of Program and Strategic Research will work with a with team to develop and ensure quality control of internal & externally commissioned research outputs and content generated.
- Work with Head of Research and team to develop Research Strategy & build research agenda and knowledge expertise to address long-term strategic questions on global development and youth employment.
- Seek and provide access to best-in-class external research and knowledge.
- Commission research projects and other knowledge products for Foundations thought leadership and also to enhance the international development field.
- Write and publish learnings on the Foundations programs to influence best practice internally and externally.
- Disseminate relevant learnings and insights to internal and external audiences.
- Continuously explore sharing opportunities for the Foundations program work.
- Actively develop strong global relationships with external research partners.
- Lead team to partner with the Programs team on proposal. development and review to provide technical input into proposals.
- Work with Research Team to build and strengthen the capacity of others to deliver high quality research, analysis, publications, and documentation.
- Work with team to provide subject matter expertise for Foundation research work.
WHO YOU ARE
- A Masters/MBA in global development, education, public policy or another related field is an asset.
- 10 to 12 years leadership experience in higher education, the social sciences, development and/or government or public policy within non-profit organizations, international NGOs and/or learning institutions.
- Expertise in researching development, political and social issues across Africa. Deep understanding of research methodologies and approaches, especially in economic transformation/growth and development policy.
- Deep understanding of the research ecosystem and research partnership opportunities in Africa.
- Proven experience effectively engaging with technical experts and institutions to build communities of practice in Africa.
- Experience working with and managing enterprise-wide research or knowledge development teams.
- Ability to plan for and prioritize multiple enterprise-wide initiatives with varying timelines.
- Demonstrated success in building and managing high performing teams with proven success
- Excellent research skills with the ability to translate findings to technical and non-technical teams.
- Fluency in other languages relevant to the work; French would be desirable.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
- Inquisitive and enthusiastic about pursuing new avenues of research.
- Open to the ideas of others and shares knowledge and insight from a place of humility.
- Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to a broad range of internal stakeholders, including other senior team members, staff, and board members.
- Client service mindset, always seeking ways to create impact for program teams.
- Commitment to the value of co-creation, employing deep listening and authentically inclusive approach.
- Energetic, independent, and self-motivated individual with a solution-based approach while demonstrating innovation, integrity, quality, creativity, flexibility and resilience.
- Innovative and entrepreneurial individual who can develop new or creative approaches to problems while inspiring others on the team.
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.
HOW TO APPLY
CLOSING DATE : September 06, 2021