Programme Officer, Mastercard Foundation

About the role

The Mastercard Foundation runs Young Africa Works, a USD 2 billion commitment to enable 30 million young people across Africa (especially women) to access dignified work by 2030. Programme Officers manage country-level partnerships across the Foundation’s African operations (Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia). Application deadline 30 September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of partnerships supporting youth employment in the country (USD 20 million to USD 100 million across the portfolio).
• Source new partners and lead due diligence on prospective grants and contracts.
• Author partnership memos and present to country and global strategy committees.
• Provide strategic and adaptive-management support to partners during implementation.
• Coordinate with the host government, peer funders, and African private sector employers.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in education, economics, public policy, or related field.
• Seven or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated track record in youth employment, education, or workforce development in Africa.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; French an asset.
• Authorisation to work in Ghana.

Nice to have

• PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Prior in-house experience at a major international NGO, private sector employer, or African ministry.
• Existing network of African employers, educators, and youth-serving organisations.

How to apply

Open the Mastercard Foundation careers page at the apply link, search for “Programme Officer Ghana”, and apply through the Foundation’s recruitment portal. CV review, hiring manager interview, technical interviews, and panel with the Country Head follow. Closing date 30 September 2026.