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 Data Architect looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Head of Enterprise Data Management, the Data Architect will support designing, executing, and managing the Foundation’s data architecture in alignment with the Digital and Data Information Technology’s (DDIT) strategic goals and data governance standards. This role will help define the Foundation’s data architecture and enterprise data strategy within the newly established Data and Analytics function. As part of a small, agile team, the Data Architect will develop tailored approaches to address unique business needs while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support the Foundation’s 2030 vision.

The successful candidate will be based in one of our Africa offices (Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Rwanda).

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Support the Data Governance and Processing team in defining and implementing data quality metrics and monitoring processes to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the Foundation, including Programs and Impact Functions, to ensure consistent and effective data management practices across all departments and programs.
• Work with IT and data teams to implement and maintain a data architecture that supports governance objectives, including data integration, metadata management, and data lineage tracking.
• Assist the Head of Enterprise Data Management in defining a scalable, fit-for-purpose Data Architecture strategy aligned with the Foundation’s core objectives.
• Partner with the Enterprise Architecture team to co-create solutions that meet stakeholder needs across the Foundation.
• Participate in the Technology Solution Forum, advising on solution architecture and ensuring adherence to data architecture standards across projects.
• Collaborate with the Enterprise Data Management and Data and Analytics teams to design and implement data models that support system interoperability, BI, and analytics requirements, adhering to Data Architecture principles to ensure efficient and reliable data flows across platforms.
• Work closely with the Digital and Data Information Technology (DDIT) team, the wider Foundation, and other key stakeholders to align on data architecture priorities and practices. Maintain and update architecture-related templates, guidelines, and deliverables.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Information Management, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or a related role.
• Experience designing and implementing data architectures for enterprise environments, particularly building capabilities within an immature organization.
• Familiarity with project management tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration platforms.
• Proficiency in database design, data modelling, and data management technologies (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, data warehousing, data lakes).
• Experience with cloud data platforms, including Microsoft Azure.
• Hands-on expertise with ETL tools and data integration platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Comfortable working flexibly and taking on a range of responsibilities to support their team.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across a large, multi-cultural organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Foundation’s equity, inclusion, and social impact values, with a passion for driving positive change and empowering underserved communities globally.