Head of Infrastructure and Platforms - Mastercard Foundation

The 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 are currently in an exciting period at the Mastercard Foundation as we intensify the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people throughout Africa to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

To ensure the Foundation's accessibility to our partners and program participants, we have established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. These offices provide strong in-country support for the implementation of Young Africa Works.

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We collaborate with governments, the private sector, educators, and other funders to enhance the quality of education and vocational training, equip young individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and facilitate connections between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities.

Our values serve as our guiding principles, transcending and surpassing all other considerations. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work.

If you are an experienced infrastructure and platforms professional executive looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head of Infrastructure and Platforms will be responsible for driving value for the Foundation through the effective provision, deployment and management of the Foundation’s applications and infrastructure. Reporting directly to the Digital and Technology Senior Director, this role will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and manage digital solutions that serve to enhance operational efficiency and amplify the Foundation’s impact, furthering the achievement of its 2030 vision.

The successful candidate will be based in any of our offices in Africa (Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, or Uganda).

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Oversee and maintain software applications to ensure their optimal performance, reliability, security, and alignment with the Foundation’s objectives.
• Manage the configuration and deployment of virtualized computing resources, storage, networking, and other IT components across cloud environments and traditional system infrastructures.
• Oversee the implementation and optimization of IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and network solutions, to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable connectivity for business operations.

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• Ensure robust and secure network infrastructure to support seamless communication among staff and stakeholders and provision resources, services, or data to other devices over a network.
• Oversee the management and optimization of desktop environments and collaboration tools to facilitate effective communication and resource sharing within the Foundation.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across the Foundation and DDIT Function to drive the adoption and integration of digital tools and processes, leading to improved user experiences.
• Work closely with User Technology Solutions and Digital Enablement teams to optimize the end-to-end solution lifecycle and user experience for Foundation stakeholders.
• Manage direct reports by providing guidance, coaching, and mentorship while overseeing their performance and capacity in compliance with the Foundation’s management policies and procedures.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in infrastructure and platform management within a large-scale enterprise environment or non-profit organization.
• Deep understanding of infrastructure technologies and platforms, including cloud computing, networking, servers, storage, and security, with proven hands-on expertise in designing, implementing, and managing these systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex digital and IT infrastructure projects and initiatives, from inception to delivery, within scope, budget, and timeline constraints.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and drive results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex digital concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends and insights, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Foundation’s equity, inclusion, and social impact values, with a passion for driving positive change and empowering underserved communities globally.