The Mastercard Foundation continues to play a transformative role in strengthening Africa’s health and education systems, and one of its most impactful leadership roles is the Senior Director, Health Workforce Initiatives. Based in Nairobi, this position is ideal for seasoned professionals passionate about shaping sustainable health workforce solutions across the continent.
In this role, the Senior Director provides strategic leadership for health workforce initiatives while ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s broader Higher Education and Skills for Change (HECSI) strategy. The position goes beyond management—it calls for vision, innovation, and the ability to translate high-level strategies into practical, scalable programs that prepare African youth for meaningful careers in healthcare.
A key part of the role involves building and managing strong partnerships. This includes working closely with universities, ministries of health, training institutions, development partners, and regional bodies. By coordinating multi-stakeholder collaborations and governance structures, the Senior Director ensures programs are impactful, evidence-driven, and responsive to Africa’s evolving workforce needs.
The role also places strong emphasis on program design and innovation. From competency-based training models to applied learning approaches, the Senior Director oversees initiatives that improve workforce readiness and promote sustainable healthcare systems. Monitoring, evaluation, and learning are embedded in every program to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
Beyond strategy and programs, this position is about people. Leading diverse teams in a matrixed environment, mentoring staff, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence are core responsibilities. The Senior Director also represents the Foundation in global and regional forums, contributing to thought leadership and influencing policy discussions on health workforce development.
Candidates for this role should bring at least 15 years of experience in health workforce development, health systems strengthening, higher education, or international development. A strong understanding of African health and education systems, excellent communication skills, and experience managing multi-country programs are essential.
For professionals ready to drive large-scale change and expand opportunities for Africa’s youth, this role offers a unique chance to leave a lasting impact.
