Job Description

Head of Strategy & Planning at Mastercard Foundation

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Reporting to the Executive Director, Country Programs, the Head of Strategy is highly influential and visible, combining strategic planning, performance management, and driving operational rigor (Quality of programming). The Head of Strategy will be the Executive Director’s partner in management and administration and will provide thought leadership across various management and operational issues. S/he will primarily oversee the entire function’s administrative operations, provide oversight and guidance to projects of high importance, and lead key strategic cross-functional and transformational projects. The role will support the Executive Director in making more efficient use of time and delivering their responsibilities more effectively.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Work with the Director daily or weekly to prioritize projects and initiatives, manage all internal and external requests for the Director, and ensure their involvement in decision-making processes.
• Ensure regular meetings with direct reports to the Director to discuss issues and content before presenting them to the Director.
• Monitor information flow, act as a gatekeeper to the Director, and manage miscellaneous administrative issues such as preparation for external engagements or internal functions.
• Act as the sounding board for the Director, providing counsel, analyses, and support to facilitate decision-making.
• Manage the agenda for key cross-functional meetings, including core team meetings and off-sites, to ensure efficient team communication and coordination.
• Partner with other functions to prepare and maintain a short-term and long-term strategic roadmap for the Country Programs team.
• Provide research and administrative support for special projects, including problem identification and recommendations.
• Attend key meetings with the Director, identify and document management issues, and help drive their closure to ensure overall productivity.

Who You Are

• A minimum of 10 years of work experience, with at least 5 years in senior strategy, management consulting, or general manager roles.
• A bachelor’s degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
• Creative in solving problems and generating innovative solutions.
• Strong Project Management skills and experience: ability to manage multiple high-profile projects and effectively leverage all resources to achieve results.
• Broad Knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; and/or accounting and payroll.
• Broad knowledge of processes, protocols, and procedures with a focus on budget, account and fund management and/or personnel management under labour contract(s) and personnel policy
• Experience in coordinating diverse programs and functions for a very diverse department.
• Well-honed written, verbal, and creative communication skills, including the ability to translate insight into content, create slide or written presentations, and create overall communication plans.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• You have a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Head of Strategy & Planning at Mastercard Foundation