Partner, Public Affairs and Communications

**ABOUT MASTERCARD FOUNDATION**

Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. Through its Young Africa Works strategy and Canadian EleV program, the Foundation works with partners to ensure that millions of young people, especially young women, access quality education, financial services, and dignified work. Mastercard Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is independent with its own Board of Directors and CEO.

**THE WORK AT THE FOUNDATION**

We are currently in an exciting period at the Mastercard Foundation as we intensify the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people throughout Africa to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

To ensure the Foundation's accessibility to our partners and program participants, we have established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. These offices provide strong in-country support for the implementation of Young Africa Works. We collaborate with governments, the private sector, educators, and other funders to enhance the quality of education and vocational training, equip young individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and facilitate connections between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities.

Our values serve as our guiding principles, transcending and surpassing all other considerations. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work.

**_ If you are an experienced Communications professional_**_ looking to increase your impact, read on_**

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

Reporting to the Lead, Public Affairs and Communications, the Partner, in collaboration with the Lead and the Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Canada, will support and execute strategic communications, public affairs, promotions, and digital and social media projects to advance the work of the Canada Programs Team, its partners, and the Foundation as a whole.

**WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE**
- Provide input into developing and managing annual communications strategy and budget, including measurement and outcomes.
- Support, manage, execute, and assess the Canada Program social media strategy, including supporting the development and production of social media content and setting engagement and growth targets.
- Support development and execution of media relations strategies for campaigns, high-profile events, and other enterprise priorities.
- Cultivate relationships in media (including social media) to build support and awareness of EleV goals and Partners consistent with the demonstration effect.
- Work with Partner-facing colleagues and directly with Partners to ensure communications materials and activities are strategically aligned and consistent with brand voice and guidelines.
- Assist in producing Canada Programs storytelling materials, including print, digital, photography, videography, podcasting, murals, articles, etc., for internal and external audiences.
- Support communications effectiveness by ensuring Indigenous young people are at the center of communications activities.
- Work with the Canada Programs and Corporate Communications teams to identify and manage potential program issues and/or crisis situations that may threaten the Foundation’s brand or reputation.
- Attend and contribute to EleV Program Partner check-ins, providing strategic communications counsel and support as required.
- Ensure Partner materials related to EleV are aligned with Mastercard Foundation messaging and brand guidelines.
- Liaise closely with the Canada Program Team, Corporate Communications Team, Public Affairs and Communications Team and other relevant Foundation teams/team members to cultivate “Oneness” in the Foundation.
- Input into the annual Canada Program Communications budget in alignment with team and corporate goals.
- Supporting and managing the contracting process and working with external communications agencies, artists, photographers/videographers, and others to ensure the delivery of high-quality storytelling content.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with the Canada Programs, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Communications, and Foundation colleagues.
- Support the adoption of innovative communications methods to improve execution and outcomes.

***WHO YOU ARE**
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant certification or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 7+ experience working with Indigenous people and communities, with excellent knowledge of their issues and priorities.
- Conversant in a wide range of communications tools and channels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluency in French is an added advantage.
- Strong social skills and