The Mastercard Foundation is seeking a Lead, Qualitative Outcomes & Impact Measurement to strengthen the qualitative dimension of its impact measurement system across multiple African locations. Reporting to the Head of Outcome & Impact Measurement, this role provides strategic and methodological leadership in generating and interpreting qualitative evidence that explains how and why change occurs for young people. The position ensures that youth voices, lived experiences, and contextual realities are systematically embedded in how impact is measured, understood, and applied across the Foundation’s programs.

As the Foundation expands outcome monitoring, platform reviews, and cross-enterprise evaluations, this role anchors the collection and synthesis of narratives, stories, and contextual insights. By complementing quantitative data with in-depth qualitative evidence, the Lead enhances the Foundation’s ability to learn, adapt, and demonstrate meaningful impact.

Key Purpose of the Role

The Lead, Qualitative Outcomes & Impact Measurement is responsible for:

• Anchoring the qualitative dimension of the Foundation’s Impact and Measurement Frameworks
• Ensuring youth perspectives and lived experiences inform evidence design, interpretation, and use
• Strengthening mixed-methods learning by integrating qualitative insights with quantitative findings
• Advancing learning and adaptive decision-making across programs and platforms

Core Responsibilities

The role contributes to the Foundation’s mission through the following key areas:

Qualitative Design and Inquiry

• • Translate the Foundation’s Impact and Measurement Frameworks into robust qualitative study designs
  • Design research questions and qualitative guides aligned with strategic learning priorities
  • Lead qualitative and participatory inquiries that explore youth pathways toward dignified and fulfilling work

• Examine enablers, barriers, and contextual factors shaping outcomes from young people’s perspectives

Methodological Leadership and Quality Assurance

• Provide technical leadership on qualitative methodologies, including participatory inquiry and ethnographic approaches
• Guide the development of coding frameworks and analytical strategies
• Ensure rigorous, ethical, and fit-for-purpose qualitative research practices
• Oversee the use of qualitative analysis software such as NVivo, Dedoose, or ATLAS.
• Ensure coherence and integration between qualitative and quantitative evidence

Synthesis, Learning, and Insight Generation

• Synthesize qualitative insights across platforms and programs to identify patterns and narratives
• Translate findings into actionable insights for strategy, programming, and organizational learning
• Curate stories, narratives, and contextual explanations that deepen understanding of impact
• Collaborate with the Quantitative Lead to produce mixed-methods learning products

Capacity Building and Collaboration

• • Provide collaborative guidance to Impact Partner Organizations in co-designing qualitative studies
  • Support partners and teams in reflecting on methods and findings to improve insight quality and use

• Build capacity across Foundation teams in qualitative research, participatory inquiry, and storytelling for learning
• Foster a culture of learning grounded in reflection, adaptation, and youth-centered evidence

External Engagement and Sector Learning

• Represent the Foundation in technical, evaluation, and learning forums
• Share experiences and lessons to strengthen qualitative and participatory evaluation practice across the sector

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate brings the following qualifications and attributes:

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in social sciences, anthropology, development studies, or a related field
• At least eight years of experience designing and managing qualitative or mixed-methods research
• Experience working on large-scale programs, preferably within international development, donor, or foundation contexts

Technical Expertise

• • Deep expertise in qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory approaches

• Demonstrated experience with evaluation approaches such as:
  • Case studies
  • Outcome harvesting
  • Most significant change
  • Contribution analysis
  • Participatory or developmental evaluation
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills with the ability to communicate insights clearly and effectively

Personal Attributes and Values

• Ability to integrate youth, gender, and contextual perspectives into impact evaluation
• Learning-oriented mindset grounded in humility, collaboration, and openness
• Commitment to adaptive, context-driven, and values-aligned evaluation approaches
• Professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and high ethical standards
• Willingness to travel across African countries
• Proficiency in English required; French is an asset

Commitment to Inclusion

The Mastercard Foundation values the diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences each individual brings to the organization. The Foundation is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment where all individuals can thrive.

Through this role, the Mastercard Foundation continues to deepen its commitment to youth-centered, evidence-informed development, ensuring that qualitative insights meaningfully shape how progress is understood, measured, and strengthened across Africa.