Executive Assistant - 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.

THE WORK AT THE FOUNDATION

We have entered a very exciting time at the Foundation as we scale up our operations across Africa to realize our Young Africa Works strategy. Our role at the Mastercard Foundation is to be a catalyst. Our Young Africa Works strategy focuses on working with others to spur systemic change so young people have the opportunity to find work that is dignified and fulfilling.

The Foundation has opened offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda, building a broader leadership presence in Africa to develop specific strategies that support youth employment.

Within a country, we work with governments, the private sector, educators, young people, and other funders to improve the quality of education and vocational training, prepare young people for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and connect job seekers to dignified and fulfilling work.

We are ambitious and driven. Our values transcend and rise above everything else as our guide. We encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. We are a team. Our journey together makes our impact even more meaningful.

UNDERSTANDING CANADA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 30,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities.

We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth.

In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation.

While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.

If you are an experienced Executive Assistant looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Director Human Capital Development, the Executive Assistant for the Director Human Capital Development will provide comprehensive administrative support to include the management of meeting/event scheduling, coordination of travel as well as the support of HCD staff especially Lead Strategy and Planning-Human Capital Development for designated administrate tasks.

He/she will lead the coordination of Foundation internal matters in close alignment with other Executive Assistants and Foundation staff.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Manage and coordinate internal and external events/meetings for the Director Human Capital Development – act as an effective ‘gatekeeper’ while ensuring access to the Director Human Capital Development (HCD).
• Coordinate agenda of meetings, capture complete and detailed minutes of the meeting, ensure timely distribution to attendees and related staff.
• Lead follow-up on post-meeting/events actions to support Director Human Capital Development, designated staff.
• Coordinate logistics including room bookings, catering, refreshments etc.
• Manage and coordinate Director Human Capital Development travel arrangements, including accommodation, ground/air transport, immigration/ Visa/immunization details.
• Prepare and submit expense reports accurately and efficiently in line with organizational policies.
• Maintain key contact of country stakeholders.
• Manage program team calendar including prioritizing and resolving scheduling conflicts as required.
• Working closely with the office coordinator, coordinating logistics of project meetings and events including room bookings, catering, refreshments etc.
• Facilitate internal communication within the Human Capital Development Office.
• Maintain in good order content of shared folders used by the Human Capital Development team.
• Compose routine correspondence to support Director, HCD interaction with internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Support to coordinate and compile material for (Foundation) Board and SLT reporting.
• Support distribution of correspondence from Director, HCD to relevant staff and stakeholders.
• Organize and maintain documentation/files related to Director, HCD.
• Build, liaise and sustain relationships with Executive Assistants /offices for Mastercard Foundation key partners, stakeholders.
• Provide backup to other (Foundation) Executive Assistant /Administrators as required.
• Perform any task assigned by the Director of Human Capital Development.

Who You Are

• A college diploma or University degree is required
• Minimum 7 years of experience in an Executive Assistant role in a fast-paced environment with local and multinational experience.
• Excellent prioritization and time management skills.
• Excellent planning and logistical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, exhibiting grace under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills in English; written and spoken, and French would an added advantage.
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to produce high quality work consistently and effectively.
• Able to work independently with little direction or supervision and possess ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects.
• Well established networks of service contractors, relevant stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Office 365, and SharePoint).
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.