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 and other funders to improve the quality of education and vocational training, prepare young people for the work force, 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.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Assistant for the Country Head will provide comprehensive administrative support to include the management of meeting/event scheduling, coordination of travel as well as support of Country Program staff for designated administrate tasks.  He/she will lead 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 Country Head – act as an effective ‘gatekeeper’ while ensuring access to the Country Head
• Capture complete and detailed minutes of meeting, ensure timely distribution to attendees and related staff
• Lead follow-up on post meeting/events actions to support Country Head, designated staff.
• Coordinate logistics including room bookings, catering, refreshments etc.
• Manage and coordinate Country Head travel arrangements, to include 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, coordinate logistics of project meetings and events including room bookings, catering, refreshments etc.
• Facilitate internal communication within the Country Office.
• Maintain in good order content of shared folders used by Programs team.
• interaction with internal staff and external stakeholders
• Support to coordinate and compile material for (Foundation) Board and SLT reporting
• Support distribution of correspondence from Country Head to Country staff
• 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.
• Any other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

WHO YOU ARE

• College diploma or University degree is required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in an Administrative Assistant role in a fast-paced environment with local and multi country experience.
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to consistently and effectively produce high quality work.
• Able to work independently with little direction or supervision and possess ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects.
• Experience in working in multi-cultural environments.
• Experience working with Senior level executives and interfacing with important stakeholders, both externally and internally.
• Experience in managing junior administrative staff.
• Excellent organizing, multi-tasking, planning, prioritization and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, exhibiting grace and diplomacy under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills in English; written and spoken, and ability to communicate in Amharic.
• Highly proficient in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Office 365 and SharePoint).
• Highly organized
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to produce high quality work consistently and effectively on time.
• Able to work independently with little direction or supervision and possess ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to anticipate needs and requirements and to proactively act.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• You have a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision