The Head, Program Risks is a strategic leadership role at the Mastercard Foundation responsible for overseeing and coordinating risk management activities across the Foundation’s program platforms. Reporting to the Director, Program Risk, you will provide critical risk advisory services, ensuring that risk identification, mitigation, and response strategies are seamlessly integrated into the entire program lifecycle—from initial ideation to final closure. You will work closely with internal program teams, risk champions, and implementing partners to cultivate a robust risk-aware culture, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s risk appetite and standards.
Key Responsibilities
Risk Coordination & Strategy: Support the Director in managing risk across program platforms and adjacent activities; escalate significant risks and incidents as needed.
Advisory & Insights: Provide expert guidance to program teams on identifying and mitigating programmatic risks throughout the project lifecycle.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with internal teams and implementing partners' focal points to foster strong risk behaviors and shared understanding of risk tolerance.
Review & Assessment: Critically review risk registers from partners and champions, providing actionable feedback to improve assessment quality.
Monitoring & Analysis: Analyze emerging trends and specific risks relevant to international development and the Foundation’s mission.
Compliance & Oversight: Conduct regular spot checks and reviews of activities and partners to ensure adherence to risk policies.
Capacity Building: Design and deliver training and tools for staff and partners to enhance their risk management capabilities.
Reporting: Consolidate data to prepare comprehensive risk reports for senior leadership.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, International Development, Public Administration, Economics, or Finance. A Master’s degree and professional risk certifications are highly preferred.
Experience: Over 10 years of professional experience in risk management, with at least 5 years in a managerial position.
Sector Expertise: Proven track record in programmatic risk management within the non-profit, philanthropic, or international development sectors.
Operational Reach: Experience implementing risk frameworks within multi-country organizations.
Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of regulatory, operational, financial, and reputational risks in a development context.
Soft Skills: Excellent communication and facilitation skills; ability to work in culturally diverse environments.
Languages: Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French is a significant asset.
Personal Attributes: High integrity, sound judgment, agile mindset, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Mastercard Foundation career portal. Access the application through the following link: Apply Here.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply for the position through the Mastercard Foundation Workday portal. You can access the application link directly at https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1155596. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline on March 4, 2026.
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