JOB DETAILS:
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 program communications professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Director, Special Programs Communications, the Head, Health Program Communications will develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the Foundation's Health Programs. You will be a strategic thought partner to Program colleagues and relevant stakeholders, overseeing the health Communications Team and working closely with partner communications teams to ensure alignment. The role also involves managing agencies, budgets, and brand-related communications.
The successful candidate will be based in one of our offices in (Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Ghana).

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
• Develop a comprehensive health communications strategy aligned with the Foundation’s objectives, including ecosystem mapping to shape the approach.
• Craft targeted communication strategies to reach priority audiences through mainstream and social media, such as health stakeholders, governments, academia, the private sector, funders, and youth.

• Lead and inspire the Health Communications Team to enhance capacity and accelerate the delivery of high-impact communications.

• Provide strategic guidance to program colleagues and stakeholders on communications, including advocacy, planning, and implementation.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Research and Impact Team, to ensure alignment with the impact measurement framework.
• Support partners by developing collaborative strategies to ensure effective communication delivery.
• Elevate youth voices and drive impact storytelling, focusing on the transformative journeys of young women and men.

• Collaborate with colleagues to frame findings and insights for decision-makers in Africa, engaging experts in relevant forums to support the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.
• Lead and manage reputation and risk mitigation efforts across the Health Program portfolio.

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including media figures in the health sector.
• Oversee media planning, reporting, and updates on progress.
• Develop and manage the budget for the Health Communications Program.
• Manage vendors, agencies, and consultants to support the delivery of communications initiatives.

WHO YOU ARE
• Degree in Communications; a postgraduate qualification in Communications or a related field is an added advantage.
• 15+ years of experience in Communications or a related field, with at least 3-5 years in leadership roles. Background in the private sector or development is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to identify and mitigate risks in a timely manner.
• Creative, innovative, and passionate about experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledgeable about health communications, tools, and best practices, with the ability to apply them to various projects and situations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and management abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment with shifting priorities and multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset, aligned with Mastercard Foundation’s values.