Lead, Industry Engagement and Employer Network Job at Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based across four hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi, Kenya, Accra, Ghana and Toronto, Canada. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Lead, Industry Engagement and Employer Network

Job Requisition ID: JR-0000000298
Job Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job type: Full-time

The Opportunity

• The Lead, Industry Engagement and Employer Network is responsible for executing and managing industry engagement initiatives within the Associate program for tertiary graduates and other placement programs by the Transitions team.
• This role will focus on operationalizing employer engagement, maintaining relationships with industry partners, and supporting the execution of employer-driven initiatives.
• The individual will also contribute to the design and implementation of the placement program for non-tertiary graduates.
• Working closely with country teams, internal stakeholders, and employer partners, the Lead will ensure that industry engagement activities align with program goals and create meaningful employment opportunities

Responsibilities
Ways You can Contribute:

• Support the establishment and management of a robust employer network to connect industry leaders with Associates and create job opportunities.
• Execute employer outreach, onboarding, and engagement activities to ensure strong alignment between employer needs and program objectives.
• Act as a key liaison for employer stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and coordination of engagement efforts.
• Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., Scholars, Alumni & Youth Engagement) to align employer engagement efforts with broader program initiatives.
• Collect, track, and analyze employer-related data within the Associate program to assess program effectiveness and inform improvements.
• Prepare reports on employer engagement trends and program performance for internal stakeholders.
• Work with the Associate engagement team to support the implementation of standardized learning experiences for Associates across regions.
• Support the execution of the placement program for non-tertiary graduates by coordinating with industry partners, employers, and country teams.
• Assist in identifying employer needs and ensuring alignment between program offerings and market demands.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for placement activities, including tracking participation and ensuring smooth program execution.
• Coordinate engagement efforts with internal teams and external partners to facilitate seamless execution of employer engagement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively to ensure alignment between employer-led initiatives and broader workforce development programs.
• Support advocacy efforts by maintaining strong employer relationships and ensuring engagement strategies align with program goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten (7-9) years of  progressive experience in employer engagement, program management, or strategic partnership roles, workforce development, or a related sector.
• Experience in engaging with employer associations, civil society organizations, government, private sector etc., as well as young people.
• Managing multiple projects and delivering results in a fast-paced and fluid environment. 
• Experience in designing and delivering leadership development programs for young people, in Africa.
• Experience with global grant making. This experience may come from working in another funding organization, corporation, government or an NGO. 
• Experience working across cultures and geographies, living and working in Africa is highly desirable
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity