Partner, Public Affairs and Communications

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.

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. 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.

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 100,000 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 communications professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Lead, Public Affairs and Communications, the Partner, in collaboration with the Lead and the Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Canada, will support and execute strategic communications, public affairs, promotions, and digital and social media projects to advance the work of the Canada Programs Team, its partners, and the Foundation as a whole.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Provide input into developing and managing annual communications strategy and budget, including measurement and outcomes.
• Support, manage, execute, and assess the Canada Program social media strategy, including supporting the development and production of social media content and setting engagement and growth targets.
• Support development and execution of media relations strategies for campaigns, high-profile events, and other enterprise priorities.
• Cultivate relationships in media (including social media) to build support and awareness of EleV goals and Partners consistent with the demonstration effect.
• Work with Partner-facing colleagues and directly with Partners to ensure communications materials and activities are strategically aligned and consistent with brand voice and guidelines.
• Assist in producing Canada Programs storytelling materials, including print, digital, photography, videography, podcasting, murals, articles, etc., for internal and external audiences.
• Support communications effectiveness by ensuring Indigenous young people are at the center of communications activities.
• Work with the Canada Programs and Corporate Communications teams to identify and manage potential program issues and/or crisis situations that may threaten the Foundation’s brand or reputation.
• Attend and contribute to EleV Program Partner check-ins, providing strategic communications counsel and support as required.
• Ensure Partner materials related to EleV are aligned with Mastercard Foundation messaging and brand guidelines.
• Liaise closely with the Canada Program Team, Corporate Communications Team, Public Affairs and Communications Team and other relevant Foundation teams/team members to cultivate “Oneness” in the Foundation.
• Input into the annual Canada Program Communications budget in alignment with team and corporate goals.
• Supporting and managing the contracting process and working with external communications agencies, artists, photographers/videographers, and others to ensure the delivery of high-quality storytelling content.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with the Canada Programs, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Communications, and Foundation colleagues.
• Support the adoption of innovative communications methods to improve execution and outcomes.

 WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant certification or equivalent work experience.
• Lived experience and experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and youth.
• Conversant in a wide range of communications tools and channels, expertise in social media and digital newsletters is an asset.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures. Fluency in French and/or Indigenous language is an asset.
• Strong social skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Good project management skills, ability to prioritize, and meet competing deadlines.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good budgeting and strategic planning skills.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Mastercard Foundation vision and values.

Deadline for Applications is June 13, 2024.

Mastercard Foundation (the “Foundation”) values and respects your privacy. By submitting an application for this opportunity, you hereby agree to the Foundation’s collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy (available at https://mastercardfdn.org/privacy/). Please note that the Foundation may share your personal information with third-party agencies that support the Foundation’s recruitment activities, and such third-party agencies may contact you directly regarding this opportunity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Foundation’s Privacy Officer at the address indicated in its Privacy Policy.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit http://www.mastercardfdn.org/
Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @MastercardFdn

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