Executive Assistant, Head of Cybersecurity and Head of Technology at Mastercard Foundation

ABOUT THE WORK AT THE FOUNDATION   

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 30,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.  

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities. We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth. In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities. 

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation. While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.  

UNDERSTANDING AFRICA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION  

We have entered a very exciting time at the Foundation as we scale up our operations across Africa to realize our Young Africa Works strategy. Our role at the Mastercard Foundation is to be a catalyst. Our Young Africa Works strategy focuses on working with others to spur systemic change so young people have the opportunity to find work that is dignified and fulfilling.  

The Foundation has opened offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda, building a broader leadership presence in Africa to develop specific strategies that support youth employment.  Within a country, we work with governments, the private sector, educators, young people, and other funders to improve the quality of education and vocational training, prepare young people for the work force, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and connect job seekers to dignified and fulfilling work.  

We are ambitious and driven. Our values transcend and rise above everything else as our guide. We encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. We are a team. Our journey together makes our impact even more meaningful. 

If you are an experienced executive assistant professional looking to increase your impact, read on!  

THE OPPORTUNITY:  

Reporting to the Head of Cybersecurity and Head of Technology, the Executive Assistant will provide executive support to the Function Heads, and by extension, the broader team, to achieve the departments’ strategic goals and objectives. In this role, you would provide day-to-day support encompassing scheduling, calendar management, expenses management, and various ad hoc project support. Ideal candidate is a strong team player, highly professional, agile and enjoys working in a dynamic environment. 

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE: 

• Manage scheduling for the Function Heads and ensure schedules are respected by acting as a ‘gatekeeper’ while maintaining access to the leadership team. 
• Schedule meetings for the Function Heads and broader team and coordinate related logistics, such as room bookings, refreshments, and document preparation for attendees. 
• Manage agenda, take minutes at meetings, and distribute as appropriate.
• Proactively support follow up of key action items where possible, ensuring that the Function Heads are prepared for meetings and on top of significant deliverables.
• Manage travel in collaboration with the Travel Team and Office Coordinator and Team Assistants, including extensive global travel, accommodation reservations, ground transport, travel visas and immunizations, and informing key Foundation stakeholders in destination locations.
• Prepare and submit expense reports accurately and efficiently in line with organizational policies. 
• Manage virtual meetings by acting as host, sharing screens, enabling breakout rooms.
• Compose routine correspondence where possible. 
• Liaise with Communications Team and Foundation colleagues regarding functional communications. 
• Monitor email and act as appropriate and ensure attention to accuracy and detail. 
• Support maintenance of Function’s documents vis-à-vis digital filing and intranet site (SharePoint) storage. 
• Build, liaise and sustain relationships with employees, leadership, other functional heads on behalf of the Function.  
• Provide backup to other Executive Assistants or Office Coordinator as required. 

WHO YOU ARE:

• A College diploma or University degree is required.  
• 5+ years of experience in an Administrative Assistant and/or Executive Assistant role in a fast-paced, multi-national organization and complex environment. 
• Excellent prioritization and time management skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, exhibiting grace under pressure, able to build strong relationships across the organization. 
• Strong communication skills in English and/or prevalent local language; written and spoken, and ability to communicate effectively across cultures.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Office 365, and SharePoint). 
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to manage through complex and ambiguous circumstances consistently and effectively.
• Able to work independently with little direction or supervision and possess ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects.
• Effective negotiator and conflict resolver.  
• 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.