Leader, Strategic Partnerships - Mastercard

MasterCard Labs is MasterCard’s global Research and Development division, focused on the evolution of technological and consumer trends and the implication of these evolutions on the payments industry. Our tried, tested and proven methodologies enable us to generate new ideas from a variety of sources, and fast-track the best ideas from concept through prototype, pilot and into commercialization faster than ever before. 

Team Purpose - Labs for Financial Inclusion
MasterCard Labs for Financial Inclusion is focused on leveraging innovative technology to drive wide scale growth of financial inclusion across Africa. 
The Labs for Financial Inclusion will leverage proven MasterCard Labs innovation methodologies, along with MasterCard assets and expertise, to ideate, prototype, pilot and bring to market breakthrough payment solutions which address the financial needs of the poor.

Strategic Partnerships Professional - Labs for Financial Inclusion

• Reporting into, and supporting the Strategic Partnerships Lead, you will assist in launching and establishing MasterCard Labs for Financial Inclusion, identifying and building strong partnerships, driving adoption of the Lab’s products, leading client engagements and bringing in new business. 
• To be successful in this role, you must be a passionate and energetic individual and possess strong people and communication skills.
• You will be required to support the Strategic Partnerships Lead in representing Labs to stakeholders.

Questions to consider:
Are you an experienced professional who is passionate about innovative technology and its potential to make the world a better place from a financial inclusion perspective?

Role
Responsibilities

• Assist with identifying and building strong partnerships with groups such as Local government & authorities, financial institutions, Local start-up community, Senior MasterCard executives, NGO’s and Local universities.
• Assist with creating and executing on an innovative strategy to drive product adoption by leveraging a combination of partnerships and direct sales. 
• Responsibility for establishing product pilot programs and ensuring a smooth implementation by providing support to the Lab team and the customers/partners.
• Assist with the establishment of a start-up mentoring program in the East African region.
• Creatively engage in community events, conferences, trade shows and social media to embrace incubators, meet ups, trade shows, and other outreach venues. 
• Assist with the education program, taking responsibility for all education materials.
• Gather market feedback to inform Product decisions.
• Understand customers’ needs, marketplace dynamics, industry trends and the competitive landscape.
• Maintain close collaboration with the wider management team in strategic planning, marketing and product development.

Skills / Abilities 

• Experience in business development/sales/partnerships in the areas of e-commerce and payments, preferably with experience in a start-up. 
• Demonstrated success generating new business.
• Ability to self-start and promote the Lab with passion, ambition and aptitude. 
• Demonstrated experience in establishing networks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to conceptualize, structure, write, and present information to both semi-technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Basic familiarity using web applications. 
• Knowledge of the East African market and the current availability of financial services in that region is desirable.
• Must have a ‘Roll-up-your-sleeves’ entrepreneurial, start-up attitude.
• 20%+ travel may be required.

Education

• Bachelor's degree.

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