Program Lead, Education and Skills

About the role

The Mastercard Foundation is seeking an experienced Program Lead to design, develop, and implement a portfolio of education and skills (TVET) programs aligned with its Young Africa Works strategy. Reporting to the Country Programs Head, you will work closely with senior partners and ecosystem stakeholders to ensure young people, especially women, gain access to dignified employment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the co‑creation of education and TVET interventions with partners, governments, and youth participants.
• Integrate gender and impact considerations into program design to address the needs of young women and broader youth populations.
• Oversee implementation of the education and skills portfolio, tracking progress and capturing learnings.
• Collaborate with Country Program teams to align strategies with Young Africa Works priorities and identify synergistic opportunities.
• Communicate program outcomes and insights to senior stakeholders and external partners.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading education, vocational training, or skills development programs at a regional or national level.
• Strong ability to engage senior stakeholders, including government officials, private‑sector partners, and civil‑society organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equity and youth empowerment.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with a results‑oriented mindset.

Required skills

• Program design and implementation for education or TVET initiatives.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) methodologies.

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence the lives of millions of young Africans.
• Collaborative, mission‑driven work environment across multiple African offices.
• Access to a global network of development partners and thought leaders.