Lead, Programming Excellence

Mastercard Foundation

Job Overview

Location

Africa

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Arrangement

On-site

Sector

Nonprofit & NGO

Experience Level

Senior (5-8 years)

Application Deadline

August 4, 2026

About the Company

The Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based in Toronto, Canada, with Canadian and U.S. operations. It works to advance a more inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation's vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. It focuses on enabling young people to secure dignified and meaningful work. The Foundation partners with organizations and individuals to address systemic barriers to opportunity, particularly for young women and young men in Africa. Its work is guided by principles of equity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Job Description

Mastercard Foundation is seeking a highly experienced Lead for Programming Excellence to join their team.

This pivotal role involves leading and coordinating programming excellence initiatives across various programs. You will be instrumental in driving efficiencies, enhancing effectiveness, and ensuring robust quality assurance for all end-to-end programming processes. A key focus will be on improving the overall partner experience.

The ideal candidate will possess a university degree, preferably in business administration or a related field, with a Master's degree being a significant advantage. Essential qualifications include extensive program management experience, with a minimum of ten years dedicated to driving program delivery. Furthermore, at least two years of leadership and management experience within a multi-country African setting, particularly in the private sector, is required. Experience in partnership management, process design, and program management within nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, or learning institutions is also highly beneficial.

To apply for this role, click the Apply button on this page and follow the instructions.

Required Skills

Program ManagementPartnership ManagementProcess DesignLeadershipManagementQuality AssuranceEfficiency ImprovementEffectiveness Improvement

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate programming excellence across programs.
  • Drive efficiencies, effectiveness, and quality assurance of overall end-to-end programming processes.
  • Enhance partner experience.
  • Manage program delivery in a multi-country environment.

Qualifications

  • University degree, preferably in business administration or a related field; Master's Degree is advantageous.
  • Program Management experience.
  • Minimum of Ten (10) years of experience driving program delivery.
  • Two (2) years leadership and management experience in a multi-country environment in Africa, with a preference for private sector experience.
  • Experience in partnership management, process design & program management within nonprofit organizations, international NGOs and/or learning institutions is also helpful.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, click the Apply button on this page and follow the instructions.

Join Our Communities

In the dynamic landscape of African development, program management excellence is crucial for driving impactful initiatives. This role will spearhead programming excellence across diverse programs, focusing on enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and quality assurance throughout the entire programming lifecycle. You will be instrumental in refining partner experiences and ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects within a multi-country context.

Posted Date

July 21, 2026