Lead Programs Manager, Education & Skills

Mastercard Foundation envisions a world where every individual has the opportunity to learn and thrive. Through its Young Africa Works strategy and the Canadian Eye V program, the Foundation partners with stakeholders to provide millions of young people—particularly young women—with access to quality education, financial services, and meaningful employment. Established in 2006 through Mastercard’s transition to a public company, the Foundation operates independently with its own Board of Directors and CEO. Currently, the Foundation is advancing the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy to empower 30 million young people across Africa with dignified and fulfilling jobs. To strengthen engagement with partners and participants, the Foundation has established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda, ensuring robust in-country support for program delivery. Collaborating with governments, private sector entities, educators, and funders, the Foundation enhances educational quality, vocational training, workforce readiness, financial inclusion for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and job-matching initiatives. At the heart of the Foundation’s operations are its values, which guide all decision-making and foster an environment where bold ideas and diverse expertise are encouraged. If you are a seasoned Programs Lead seeking to drive meaningful change, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Under the supervision of the Country Programs Head, the Program Lead will oversee the design, development, and execution of a portfolio of education and training/VET programs aligned with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works objectives. This role involves engaging with senior leadership at partner organizations and ecosystem stakeholders to advance the Foundation’s country-specific strategies. Key responsibilities include co-designing education and training interventions, collaborating with mandated stakeholders to create pathways for young people transitioning from training/VET programs into dignified employment, and ensuring programs address the needs of young women and other vulnerable groups. The Program Lead will work closely with the Country Program team to align strategies with Young Africa Works priorities, lead portfolio implementation, and document progress and learnings to inform adaptive management. Additionally, this role requires providing technical expertise in skills and workforce development to support colleagues leading initiatives across economic sectors and value chains. The Program Lead will represent the Foundation in governance activities, identify systemic challenges and opportunities in Rwanda’s education and training landscape, and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders at both the country and global levels. They will also lead cross-functional teams, supervise staff, and offer guidance to implementation partners to overcome barriers to effectiveness, while staying informed on emerging trends in the sector.

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