Head of Workforce Development at MasterCard

THE OPPORTUNITY 

• Reporting to the Country Director, the Head of Workforce Development will take the lead in shaping and executing the workforce development strategy.
• This role is instrumental in driving capacity development and upskilling initiatives for the education and health sectors, with a primary focus on enhancing employment opportunities within these fields.
• The responsibilities extend to the strategic development of programs that address the specific workforce needs within healthcare.
• This includes initiatives aimed at improving the skills, training, and capacity of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, thus contributing to a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Define and implement a comprehensive workforce development strategy for Nigeria, focusing on the education and healthcare sectors.
• Provide strategic direction for workforce development programs, ensuring they are in line with the Foundation's mission and vision.
• Align the strategy with the Foundation's objectives and priorities in education and health workforce development.
• Oversee the design and delivery of education and health workforce development initiatives.
• Champion a culture of innovation and agility to facilitate the creation of new programs.
• Manage risks associated with the workforce development portfolio and propose mitigation plans.
• Enable team members and partner organizations to execute and implement programs effectively.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key partner institutions, peer funders, thematic advisors, directors, and Country Directors within the education and healthcare workforce development space.
• Facilitate engagements with external thought leaders and forums to enhance the Foundation's reputation as a thought leader in Nigeria.
• Build strong relationships with educational and healthcare communities to promote the participation and benefit of young professionals.
• Serve as a focal point for the Foundation in local Workforce Development platforms that can scale and accelerate Mastercard Foundation programs.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among theme teams both within and outside the organization.
• Enhance the Foundation's presence at local platforms designed to advance excellence in workforce development.
• Participate as a judge, advisor, and panelist in workforce development events across the country.
• Strengthen collaboration among teams focusing on education and skills, health workforce development, and transitions into work.
• Interact with counterparts from other program teams to ensure strategic alignment and keep the Country Director informed about workforce development projects.
• Recruit and build a high-performing workforce development team in Nigeria.
• Model the Foundation's values in team behaviors and interactions.
• Coach and mentor direct reports to ensure the consistent and excellent delivery of program KPIs.

WHO YOU ARE

• Hold an advanced degree in education, health, or a related field.
• Possess relevant professional qualifications and a member of a relevant professional body.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in driving strategy and program success across Nigeria or African countries.
• Have at least 5 years of leadership and management experience, with at least 3 years in a multi-country African environment.
• Demonstrate expertise in education and skills development, health workforce development, or related fields, with healthcare sector experience as an added advantage.
• Experience in educational technology assessment and evaluation, youth and adult learning and development, curriculum development and teacher training strategy will be an added advantage.
• Experience in the health sector will be an added advantage.
• Exhibit strong coordination and project management skills.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Apply systems thinking to engage with stakeholders and design programs addressing root causes and critical needs.
• Possess substantial knowledge of critical issues, emerging trends, and barriers in workforce development within education and healthcare.
• Excel in multi-stakeholder management with senior colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build and manage small, agile teams while engaging with a wider network across thematic areas and countries.
• Promote collaboration in a complex and evolving environment.
• Prioritize results, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Offer progressive and creative thinking in workforce development.
• Possess a deep understanding of the education and healthcare landscape in Nigeria.
• Show a proven track record of working with and mentoring successful workforce development endeavors.
• Have experience in public policy within nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, or educational institutions.
• Proven experience in effectively engaging with senior government officials, key partners, media, business leaders, and other influential individuals.
• 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 that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.