Position Summary
This position is tasked with advancing Visa’s regulatory and policy goals by fostering strategic collaborations with critical government representatives, policymakers, public thought leaders, and regulatory authorities across anglophone West Africa—encompassing Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Oversee a comprehensive range of duties encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, and performance evaluation to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Lead cross-functional teams to drive project milestones, foster collaboration, and optimize resource allocation. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation. Monitor key performance indicators, analyze trends, and prepare detailed reports to inform data-driven decision-making. Serve as a primary liaison between senior management and departmental stakeholders to facilitate transparent communication and alignment on priorities.
Develop and implement a comprehensive West African Government Affairs strategy, ensuring objectives, timelines, and actions are meticulously aligned with Visa’s global policy agenda and regional priorities.
Oversee daily operations with a focus on financial management, regulatory compliance, and the efficient production of high-quality position papers, policy briefs, analyses, and strategic engagement plans. Ensure timely delivery while maintaining rigorous standards across all documentation and reporting requirements.
Formulate strategies to harmonize policy measures with organizational objectives while offering direction to facilitate market expansion and foster innovation.
Monitor and shape legislation, regulations, and policies to safeguard and advance Visa’s strategic interests, championing outcomes that align with organizational goals.
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with governmental entities, industry associations, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions. Act as Visa’s representative in high-level discussions to influence and establish payment policy frameworks.
Advocate for and integrate leading practices in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory oversight while continuously enhancing processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Develop and deliver training sessions, briefings, and updates to enhance internal understanding of Government Affairs initiatives and priorities.
Dynamic competencies encompassing leadership, strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability are essential for this role. Proficiency in project management methodologies, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement is required. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Experience with cross-functional teams and a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments are highly valued. Additionally, familiarity with industry-specific tools and technologies is necessary to excel in this position.
Proficiency in the digital payments sector, along with a comprehensive grasp of its economic and social implications, is essential.
Aptitude for assessing, interpreting, and projecting the implications of regulatory and policy frameworks on digital payments and fintech ecosystems.
Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing stakeholder engagement strategies is required.
A comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s business landscape and political dynamics is essential.
Exhibits a keen understanding of both political dynamics and commercial strategies.
Creative and original problem-solving abilities, paired with a capacity for innovative ideas and solutions, are essential.
Proven ability to communicate effectively through both verbal and written channels.
We seek candidates with proven expertise in budgeting and financial management.
Demonstrates resilience and composure when managing demanding workloads or tight deadlines.
A proactive and driven professional capable of functioning autonomously as well as collaborating effectively within a team setting, even with minimal oversight.
Excellent ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate across various functions.
Proficiency in utilizing computers and associated software applications is essential. Candidates must demonstrate familiarity with standard office productivity tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Job Scope
Reports directly to the Senior Director and Head of Government Affairs for Western and Central Africa.
Collaborates extensively with colleagues at the country, CEMEA hub, and global levels, encompassing teams within Country Management, Corporate Communications, Legal, Marketing, Strategy, Risk Management, Social Impact, and Products.
Works in partnership with Government Affairs colleagues worldwide to establish and enhance best practices.
Acts as a key resource on policy matters, regulatory challenges, and government interactions for cross-divisional business teams.
The position requires extensive travel across English-speaking countries in West Africa.
This role is designed as a hybrid position, with the specific office attendance schedule to be determined in collaboration with your designated Hiring Manager.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, along with a minimum of five years of pertinent professional experience. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with industry-specific software are necessary. Excellent communication and organizational capabilities are also required. Additionally, prior project management experience is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience is required, along with at least 3 years of experience in a related role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and strong communication skills are essential. The candidate must be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines. Additionally, experience with project management tools and a proven track record of delivering high-quality results are highly desirable.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience is required, along with a Bachelor’s degree, or alternatively, at least 7 years of experience with an advanced degree such as a Master’s, MBA, JD, or MD. Candidates holding a PhD may qualify with a minimum of 3 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with 3–5 years of relevant experience in software development, data analysis, or a similar technical discipline. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, as is familiarity with database management systems and cloud computing platforms. Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, coupled with excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Additionally, experience with Agile methodologies and version control systems like Git is highly desirable.
A minimum of 12 years of directly relevant professional experience is required, along with a Bachelor’s degree; alternatively, candidates must possess 9 or more years of experience and an advanced degree, or at least 5 years of experience coupled with a PhD.
A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, or a closely related discipline is required.
With a minimum of 10 to 12 years of professional experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, or public policy, candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in these domains.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
10 years
