THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Climate Action will lead the Foundation’s climate change initiatives, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental sustainability. This senior leadership role involves fostering partnerships and influencing policy to create a Pan African impact. The Director will work closely with the EXCO, Pana team, Country Directors, Program team, Partners, and other stakeholders to drive the Foundation’s climate action agenda. The role holder is expected to be a subject matter expert within the Foundation and responsible for building the Climate Action Function within Pan-African Programs by designing the strategic direction, recruiting a team, and overseeing a portfolio of multi-country programs that will accelerate the Foundation’s commitment to enabling dignified and fulfilling work for young women and men.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Develop and implement the Foundation’s Climate Action Strategy and Roadmap, aligned with the Young Africa Works strategy to address climate change.
• Lead advocacy and partnership-building efforts to maximize impact on climate-related issues.
• Monitor global and local climate policy and science trends to inform and adjust the Foundation’s priorities.
• Contribute to the consolidated Pan African Programs Strategy, overseeing climate-related programs within PANA and country-level initiatives.
• Manage a team of climate experts to ensure effective program execution, set goals, monitor performance, and ensure high-quality outcomes and impact measurements.
• Collaborate with PANA and Country Directors to design and deliver programs with overlapping themes.
• Build partnerships with governments, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector organizations to drive collaborative climate efforts.
• Represent the Foundation at high-level conferences, meetings, and policy discussions related to climate change.
• Advocate for climate policies that align with the Foundation’s vision at the country, continental, and international levels.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Foundation’s climate initiatives and oversee communication strategies highlighting the Foundation’s climate impact.

WHO YOU ARE

• Master’s degree in social science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years relevant experience in a similar organization, with 5 years at a senior management level.
• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit organizations focused on climate change, with a strong understanding of climate science, global environmental issues, and policy landscapes.
• Extensive experience in climate action strategy, program design, and implementation across Africa, including at the continent level.
• Strong knowledge of local, national, regional, and Pan-African organizations, networks, and country-specific social, economic, and political contexts.
• Experience working with organizations focused on gender initiatives within climate action.
• Proven leadership, team management, negotiation, and partnership-building skills.
• Strong advocacy and policy influence, with knowledge of global and regional climate initiatives and trends.
• Strategic thinker with expertise in developing long-term climate solutions.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of managing diverse teams and engaging high-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrate professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity that reflect the values of the Mastercard Foundation.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

• Develop and implement the Foundation’s Climate Action Strategy and Roadmap, aligned with the Young Africa Works strategy to address climate change.
• Lead advocacy and partnership-building efforts to maximize impact on climate-related issues.
• Monitor global and local climate policy and science trends to inform and adjust the Foundation’s priorities.
• Contribute to the consolidated Pan African Programs Strategy, overseeing climate-related programs within PANA and country-level initiatives.
• Manage a team of climate experts to ensure effective program execution, set goals, monitor performance, and ensure high-quality outcomes and impact measurements.
• Collaborate with PANA and Country Directors to design and deliver programs with overlapping themes.
• Build partnerships with governments, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector organizations to drive collaborative climate efforts.
• Represent the Foundation at high-level conferences, meetings, and policy discussions related to climate change.
• Advocate for climate policies that align with the Foundation’s vision at the country, continental, and international levels.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Foundation’s climate initiatives and oversee communication strategies highlighting the Foundation’s climate impact.

• Leadership
• Team management
• Negotiation
• Partnership-building
• Advocacy
• Policy influence
• Strategic thinking
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills

• Master’s degree in social science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years relevant experience in a similar organization, with 5 years at a senior management level.
• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit organizations focused on climate change, with a strong understanding of climate science, global environmental issues, and policy landscapes.
• Extensive experience in climate action strategy, program design, and implementation across Africa, including at the continent level.
• Strong knowledge of local, national, regional, and Pan-African organizations, networks, and country-specific social, economic, and political contexts.
• Experience working with organizations focused on gender initiatives within climate action.
• Demonstrate professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity that reflect the values of the Mastercard Foundation.