Head, Inclusion

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Program Head will oversee the implementation of the Mastercard Foundation’s strategies for gender equality, youth engagement, disability inclusion, and the inclusion of Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDPs) in Kenya, aiming to achieve the Foundation’s inclusion targets. The role ensures programs are inclusive, promote gender equality, engage youth, and adhere to safeguarding standards. It integrates these principles into program design and evaluation while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and safety.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Lead the integration of inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and safeguarding considerations into all phases of program development, from conception to evaluation.
• Develop and implement policies, guidelines, and tools to support staff in integrating inclusive practices, gender-sensitive approaches, youth participation strategies, and safeguarding measures into their work.
• Oversee gender mainstreaming, youth engagement, inclusion, and safeguarding needs assessments. Design and implement detailed support plans for staff and partners at the country level, including training, resource development, and identifying support networks.
• Provide training, coaching, and support to program teams, partners, and stakeholders on best practices related to inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and safeguarding.
• Establish monitoring frameworks and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of inclusion, gender, youth engagement, and safeguarding efforts on program outcomes and beneficiary experiences.
• Represent the organization externally on issues related to inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and safeguarding. Build strategic partnerships with organizations and networks working in these areas.
• Identify risks related to inclusion, gender, youth engagement, and safeguarding within programs and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, legal requirements, and donor expectations regarding inclusion, gender, youth engagement, and safeguarding. Prepare regular reports on progress and challenges for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and promote good practices in gender mainstreaming, youth engagement, disability inclusion, RDP inclusion, and safeguarding. Provide ongoing guidance and technical assistance to the Kenya Program Team and partners on incorporating these practices into their programs.
• Lead the development and execution of the Kenya Gender Action Plan and the Youth Engagement, Inclusion, and Safeguarding work plans. Coordinate the efforts of all internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation.
• Implement quality assurance processes to monitor goals and targets related to gender, youth engagement, and inclusion. Conduct program check-ins, capture data, and derive insights to inform continuous program improvement.
• Support the integration of insights and data into program design and implementation to ensure informed decision-making.
• Lead and manage a team focused on gender, youth engagement, disability inclusion, RDP inclusion, and safeguarding. Ensure team members are supported and held accountable for their performance and growth.
• Provide regular feedback, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members. Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment that aligns with the Foundation’s goals and values.
• Lead relevant communities of practice and working groups involving Foundation team members, partners, and key stakeholders to drive collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with relevant organizations, including government institutions, focused on women and youth empowerment, refugees, and young people with disabilities, both within the country and globally, particularly those aligned with the Foundation’s programmatic themes.

WHO YOU ARE

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, international development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years of experience w progressive experience in gender inclusion, with significant exposure to policy development and implementation in diverse contexts, particularly in Kenya with seven (7) years of experience leading and managing a team.
• Experience designing and implementing capacity-building initiatives is essential, as well as solid experience in both the development and private sectors and a proven track record of integrating gender equity and inclusion outcomes in programs and operations as an added advantage.
• Previous experience working with refugees, displaced persons, or people with disabilities is an asset.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Strong experience leading programs focused on youth, community mobilization, people with disabilities, and refugees. Strong coordination skills and experience managing consultants, vendors, and suppliers.
• Ability to provide strategic direction and integrate inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and safeguarding principles into programmatic activities. Excellent project strategy creation and alignment.
• Ability to analyze data and insights to inform decision-making and program improvements.
• Strong networking and partnership-building skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including experience in stakeholder management, partnership development, and financial management expertise.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Gender transformative programming, gender analysis skills, and related competencies. Passionate about gender equity, inclusion, and youth employment in Africa.
• Integrated thinker and team leader with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Proactive, results-driven, and motivated by a high sense of performance excellence.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to various constituents across cultures. Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required. 

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.

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