2026 Mastercard Foundation Internship Programme

Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based across four hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi, Kenya, Accra, Ghana and Toronto, Canada. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.

Applications are invited for:

Job Position: 2026 Mastercard Foundation Internship (11 Months - Non-Extendable)
Job Location: Nigeria
Expected Start Date: 15 January 2026.

Program Structure

• As an Intern, you will be assigned on an 11-month fixed term non-renewable program to support projects and initiatives across various Teams at the Mastercard Foundation
• You will engage in Foundation initiatives including our signature onboarding and orientation program
• You will have access to the Foundation's career development program and e-learning platforms during the course of your work-term

Eligibility Criteria

• You are eligible to work in one of the seven African countries in which the Mastercard Foundation operates. These are Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda
• You are actively involved with community projects and/or participation in extracurricular activities serving your local communities
• This is a full-time opportunity, and interns cannot be engaged in any other form of work during the duration of the Internship
• If you are a Mastercard Foundation Scholar Alumni, you should not currently be enrolled in a program of study or a participant in one of the Foundation's program initiatives

How You Can Contribute

• Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of programs aligned with youth employment, education, and entrepreneurship goals
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform program design and decision-making
• Assist with reporting, knowledge management, and documentation of lessons learned
• Participate in stakeholder engagement activities, workshops, and learning sessions.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for events, trainings, or partner convenings.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure smooth program delivery and internal operations.
• Contribute innovative ideas to enhance youth-centered programming and engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Foundation’s strategic objectives

Who You Are

• Qualifications
  • Recent graduate with 0 – 4 years of experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized institution
  • Demonstrated interest in youth development, social impact, and inclusive growth in Africa
  • Strong academic performance and proven ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite and/or Google Workspace
  • Ability to work effectively in multicultural, collaborative environments
  • Passion for innovation, learning, and making a difference in Africa
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management abilities
• Personal Attributes
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite and/or Google Workspace
  • Ability to work effectively in multicultural, collaborative environments
  • Passion for innovation, learning, and making a difference in Africa
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management abilities

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to international development practices through the lens of youth employment and economic transformation
• Mentorship and coaching by experienced professionals within the Foundation
• Participation in professional development workshops, seminars, and networking sessions
• Hands-on experience working with leading African institutions, private sector partners, and government stakeholders
• Enhanced readiness for future career opportunities aligned with the Young Africa Works strategy

Opportunities available are in the following functions:
You will have the opportunity to work with teams within the Foundation in the highlighted Functions below

• Finance
• Programs
• People & Culture
• Office of the CEO
• Legal & Compliance
• Impact, Research and Learning
• Public Affairs and Communications
• Digital Data Information and Technology (Technology)

We value diversity and welcome talent from a range of educational backgrounds, including but not limited to:
Programs:

• Development Studies, Development Economics, Social Sciences, Sociology, Agriculture Economics, Entrepreneurship etc.

Impact, Research and Learning:

• Degree in Population Studies, Quantitative Economics, Statistics, Business Statistics, Actuarial Science, etc.

Digital Data Information and Technology (Technology):

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Enterprise Application Systems, etc.

Legal and Compliance:

• Degree in Law, International Relations, Criminal Justice, etc.

Program Finance:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, etc.

Public Affairs and Communications:

• Degree in Public Affairs, Mass Communications, Commerce, Journalism, Social Media Management, etc.