Head of Workforce Development

About the role

The Head of Workforce Development will lead the workforce development portfolio for the Kenya country program, driving education, skills development, and digital economy initiatives to expand young people’s access to dignified work.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and design impact‑driven education and skills interventions aligned with the Kenya Country Roadmap.
• Set and monitor workforce development targets such as internships, fellowships, job placements, entrepreneurship and further education.
• Integrate education initiatives with youth engagement, inclusion, finance access and digital enablement.
• Provide technical leadership to ensure programs meet emerging needs of young people, especially young women.
• Prepare regular performance reports for senior leadership.
• Establish trusted forums for youth networks and support partnership co‑creation with a strong youth lens.
• Manage relationships with educational institutions, government ministries, private sector actors and youth‑led organisations.
• Support budgeting, team coaching, mentorship and drive technical excellence within the Workforce Development unit.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Education, Management, Economic Development or related social sciences.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Proven leadership, supervisory experience and ability to manage high‑performing teams.
• Strong operational expertise in education policy, planning and cross‑sectoral dialogue.
• Excellent analytical, communication and strategic judgement skills.
• Commitment to Mastercard Foundation values and cultural sensitivity.