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 Scientist looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head of Enterprise Data Enablement (inc. AI), the Data Scientist will lead the creation of analytical models from complex datasets to extract actionable insights that inform our strategic decision-making across the Foundation. You will play a key role in establishing new capabilities for the Foundation and its Partners, including Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), as part of a newly established Data and Analytics function. This role will facilitate the creation of data-driven insights, ensuring data is secure, accurate, and organized for the Foundation, its Partners, and Participants. The Data Scientist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop an understanding of these new capabilities across the Foundation and manage analysis and insights tools that serve to enhance operational efficiency and amplify the Foundation’s impact, furthering the achievement of its 2030 vision.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Develop, deploy, and refine models and algorithms to analyze a wide variety of data, including semi-structured and unstructured data, to solve key business challenges of Programs, Impact, and other teams.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the business to design and manage data collection strategies, ensuring data quality and integrity across diverse datasets, including survey data, financial data, and Program reports.
• Work closely with the Technology Business Partnering team to collaborate with Program and Functions teams, Partners, and other stakeholders to co-create solutions that meet individual needs. Support the development of process maps and requirements gathering to understand how data products will work.
• Create compelling visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop, implement and manage advanced analytics tools, including AI and ML, which enhance programs’ effectiveness, impact, and reach, including levers for change. Where required, work collaboratively with external organizations to develop AI and ML tools for the Foundation.
• Stay current with emerging data science, advanced analytics, AI, and ML techniques and tools in the not-for-profit sector, incorporating them into the Foundation’s data practices to continuously improve impact.
• Provide training and support to colleagues and partners to enhance data literacy and foster a culture of data-driven decision-making to enhance the Foundation’s impact. Support the business in understanding the capabilities, limitations, and requirements associated with advanced analytics tools.
• Support the Foundation’s Partners to use data science and analytics tools to enhance deepening and broadening Program impact by offering expert advice on implementation and use.

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 science and/or analytics, business intelligence, or a related role.
• Proven experience in a Data Science role, ideally with semi and unstructured data (e.g. paragraphs of text).
• Demonstrable skills in preparing, analyzing, and visualizing data, with experience in data visualization tools like PowerBI.
• Strong understanding of data science lifecycle methodologies.
• Experience working with Python or other scripting languages and SQL.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• 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.