Position Summary
This position is tasked with advancing Visa’s regulatory and policy goals by cultivating meaningful interactions with critical government representatives, policymakers, influential public figures, and regulatory bodies across anglophone West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Oversee and execute a range of critical tasks encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, and performance optimization to drive organizational success. Serve as a primary point of contact for cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with company objectives. Develop and implement robust policies, procedures, and frameworks to enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Lead project initiatives from inception to completion, coordinating resources, timelines, and budgets to achieve measurable outcomes. Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal data to inform data-driven decision-making and strategic recommendations. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports to senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Mentor and support team members through professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
Devising and implementing a comprehensive West African Government Affairs strategy, this role involves establishing definitive objectives, structured timelines, and actionable steps that are fully aligned with Visa’s global policy framework and regional priorities.
Oversee operational functions such as financial planning, performance reporting, and the punctual production of high-caliber position papers, policy briefs, analytical assessments, and strategic engagement plans.
Align policy initiatives to align with strategic business objectives, offering expert guidance to foster market expansion and drive innovation.
Monitor and shape legislation, regulations, and policies to safeguard and advance Visa’s key interests, consistently championing favorable outcomes through strategic advocacy.
Foster and maintain strategic partnerships with governmental entities, industry associations, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions. Serve as Visa’s ambassador in high-level discussions to influence the development of payment-related policies.
Improve advocacy strategies, enhance stakeholder relationships, and ensure regulatory compliance through ongoing monitoring while streamlining processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Enhance internal understanding of Government Affairs by delivering training sessions, conducting informative briefings, and providing timely updates.
Demonstrates proficiency in critical competencies essential for success in the role, including strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional attention to detail. Exhibits effective communication prowess, both written and verbal, to convey complex ideas clearly. Collaborates seamlessly within cross-functional teams, fostering a cooperative and productive work environment. Adapts quickly to changing priorities and demonstrates resilience in fast-paced settings. Maintains a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth to stay aligned with industry advancements. Upholds high ethical standards and accountability in all responsibilities and decisions.
Proficiency in the digital payments sector, including awareness of its economic and social implications, is essential.
Demonstrates exceptional skill in evaluating, understanding, and forecasting the implications of regulatory changes and policy frameworks within the digital payments and fintech sectors.
Demonstrated success in designing and executing strategies to manage and enhance relationships with key stakeholders.
Proven expertise in navigating the intricate dynamics of Nigeria’s business and political landscapes.
Exceptional understanding of political dynamics and business strategies.
Creative and innovative thinking is essential to drive forward-thinking solutions and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the role.
Proven ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively in both spoken and written formats.
Demonstrated expertise in budget development, financial oversight, and strategic resource allocation is essential. Candidates must possess a proven track record in financial planning, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal accountability to drive organizational efficiency and sustainability.
Demonstrated capacity to perform effectively in high-pressure environments while maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines.
Results-driven professional who thrives in both autonomous and collaborative settings, demonstrating the ability to execute tasks with minimal oversight while contributing effectively to team objectives.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across different functional areas is essential.
Proficient in utilizing computer systems, software applications, and digital tools to perform tasks efficiently. Skilled in navigating operating systems, managing files, and executing online research. Familiar with productivity suites such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Capable of troubleshooting basic technical issues and adhering to cybersecurity best practices to safeguard data and systems.
Job Scope
Reports directly to the Senior Director and Head of Government Affairs for Western and Central Africa.
Collaborates effectively with colleagues across country, CEMEA hub-level, and global teams, including members from Country Management, Corporate Communications, Legal, Marketing, Strategy, Risk Management, Social Impact, and Products.
Works collaboratively with Government Affairs colleagues across global offices to establish and enhance best practices.
Acts as a key resource on policy matters, regulatory affairs, and government relations for collaborative business teams spanning multiple divisions.
The position requires extensive travel throughout English-speaking regions of West Africa.
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the specific in-office days to be determined in consultation with your Hiring Manager.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, alongside at least three years of professional experience in systems administration or a comparable role. Proficiency in managing Linux and Windows servers, configuring networking, and troubleshooting hardware and software issues is essential. The ideal applicant will have experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V, cloud services like AWS or Azure, and scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell. Strong problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team are required. Effective communication skills to document processes, train end-users, and liaise with stakeholders are also necessary.
Minimum eligibility criteria encompass a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, coupled with a minimum of two years of pertinent administrative or customer service experience. Proficiency in standard office software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, is essential. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail are required to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written, are necessary to interact effectively with colleagues and clients. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision is also a key requirement.
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required, along with a Bachelor’s degree, or alternatively, at least 7 years of experience complemented by an advanced degree such as a Master’s, MBA, JD, or MD. For candidates holding a PhD, a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is acceptable.
Preferred Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, along with 3–5 years of hands-on experience in software development, system administration, or cybersecurity. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, as is familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Experience with DevOps practices, containerization tools like Docker, and CI/CD pipelines is highly desirable. Additionally, knowledge of networking fundamentals and security protocols will be advantageous.
A minimum of twelve years of pertinent professional experience, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree—or nine or more years with an advanced degree, or five or more years with a PhD—is required for this role.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree—or an equivalent qualification—in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, or a closely aligned discipline is required.
A minimum of 10 to 12 years of professional experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, or public policy roles is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
10 years
