Consultant – Digital Economy (6‑month contract)

About the role

The Mastercard Foundation seeks a senior consultant to provide strategic, technical and advisory support for its Pan‑African Digital Economy portfolio. Reporting to the Director, Digital Economy, the role will shape AI‑enabled initiatives that create dignified work opportunities for young Africans across key sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a senior thought partner on portfolio strategy, investment opportunities and emerging AI risks.
• Lead the design of a flagship Pan‑African AI initiative, including theory of change, budget, MEL framework and implementation roadmap.
• Provide quality assurance for digital economy investments, partner proposals and program implementation.
• Support country and thematic teams to integrate AI‑enabled approaches that improve youth employment and livelihood outcomes.
• Produce evidence reviews and landscape analyses on AI, the digital economy and youth livelihoods in Africa.
• Facilitate collaboration among public sector, private sector, academia and ecosystem actors.
• Document evidence, learning and reusable program‑design approaches and prepare monthly insight reports.

Required profile

• PhD or equivalent peer‑reviewed research record in computer science, engineering, data science, information systems, agritech, economics or related field (master’s degree with strong research also acceptable).
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience across private, public, academic or non‑profit sectors, with substantial work in digital technology, skills development or livelihood programmes in Africa.
• Hands‑on experience designing and supporting large‑scale programmes, partnerships or digital platforms that achieved measurable employment or income outcomes.
• Practical understanding of responsible AI, data governance, digital inclusion and ethical technology deployment in African contexts.
• Experience working with African research and innovation institutions and translating research into policy or investment decisions.