Legal Counsel at Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based across four hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi, Kenya, Accra, Ghana and Toronto, Canada. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal Counsel, West Central, North Africa 

Location: Nigeria

The Work 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.

Understanding Canada Programs 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.
• If you are an experienced Legal Counsel professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

The Opportunity

• Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel (East/West), the role will be responsible for a providing high quality legal advice and support to key stakeholders within the Foundation’s business across this region. This role is also responsible for reviewing and advising on vendor contracts and where relevant, funding contracts, and providing legal support, with a particular emphasis on Africa operations in the region.
• The successful candidate will be based in any of our listed offices in Africa (Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria).

Ways You Can Contribute

• Provide legal support on projects, programs and other transactions related to the Foundation’s Africa operations in the West, Central and Northern region.
• Participate in various projects as legal support for the Foundation.
• Ensure contracts are in line with the Foundation policies, procedures and strategic objectives.
• Champion a values-based compliance culture as our organization evolves.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance Team to maintain and upgrade funding documentation.
• Support the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures.
• In partnership with the business leaders and external partners co-create the design and support the implementation of Compliance programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively identify, analyze and respond to legislative developments affecting the Foundation in the region.
• Provide support in policy discussions and negotiations with officials internally and externally, developing relationships with members of the legal profession and lawyers working in development external law firms and/or partner agencies.
• Negotiate and review region-based vendor contracts and communicate feedback appropriately.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance team in providing support to country and program teams in review of funding proposals and new program areas.
• Monitor contract and regulatory compliance on program implementation and related risk management issues.

Who You Are

• Degree in Law (LLB or JD) or another relevant field is required.
• Member in good standing of a Law Society.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a reputable firm or in-house position with a demonstrated record of success in the region.
• Experience in charitable and non-profit law is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate, commercial, and key legal and regulatory considerations relevant to the region.
• Experience working in a start-up or ‘build’ environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• 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.
• Strong leadership, organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills and is open and receptive to feedback.
• Must be fluent in English (and French for West, Central, North region).
• Ability to challenge appropriately and voice alternative perspectives and viewpoints.
• Ability to exercise appropriate and sound judgement and discretion in dealing with legal matters.
• Results driven; Motivated by a high sense of performance excellence and a sense of urgency.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial; can formulate and develop new or creative approaches to problems and inspires others on the team to do so as well.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline  13th July, 2022.