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 OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Country Director, the Lead, Market Systems is responsible for conceptualizing and leading the introduction of a Market Systems Approach towards developing the prioritized sectors and promoting investment from various actors. (S)he will provide leadership and technical expertise in the design and development of programs and interventions, driving a shared understanding of key issues and opportunities in the selected markets and promoting investment.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Provide leadership on program design based on the MSD approach and provide investment facilitation expertise to support the Foundation country programs and teams with the goal of designing programs and scaling-up investments in inclusive education, agriculture and other key sectors.
• Lead Country team members in working collaboratively to develop strategies pertinent to Young Africa Works in Ethiopia and support the implementation of such programs and their interlinkages with investment.
• Promote the use of market systems approach as a way to unlock investment and achieve overall developmental objectives for Ethiopia Country programs, especially in the area of job creation for youth.
• Lead the process of identification, prioritization and monitoring of high-potential markets;
  • Lead teams in the development (via co-creating) of interventions in partnership with key actors and lead the learning agenda to refine and inform further programming,
  • Design and supervise the management of market systems and investment facilitation programming, including pipeline development, grants/partner identification, management (incl. due diligence), and program co-development and delivery quality,
  • Drive the learning & knowledge management agenda. Share knowledge & learning reports to offer insights and solutions. Communicate progress and lessons from projects to foundation colleagues and strategic partners,
  • Contribute insights to the Foundation’s thought leadership on youth employment in Africa.
• Establish professional networks with relevant stakeholders such as government and private market players in order to provide better service to the program beneficiaries.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration or related field (e.g., social studies) required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing very complex projects, preferably in investment facilitation and/or promotion, and access to finance in Ethiopia and/or other African countries.
• Experience with grant-making, project management, budgeting, partner/stakeholder management, M&E, core analytics (quantitative and qualitative), strategy development and/or gender approaches to development.
• Strong understanding of the Ethiopian economy and political economy with respect to job creation, including current trends and developments. Knowledge of global latest developments and best practices in the same is a plus. Strong understanding of the role finance, investment and financial inclusion can play in economic development and job creation.
• Strong management skills and experience of market systems development approaches.
• Languages: A minimum of a high level of Business Amharic and English is required. Strong written communication (reports, presentations) is a key advantage. Specifically, should possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information and deliver messages accurately and concisely to a variety of audiences.
• Humble and willing to constantly learn, especially from the key implementing partners, the youth.
• Strong analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
• Willing to travel up to 20% of the time. Enjoys field travel and interacting with the target beneficiaries.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a range of actors transparently and constructively. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, adaptable and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity.
• Committed to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.