Head of Government Engagement - East Africa

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Job Description

The position will be responsible for managing all of Visa’s interaction with key government officials, policy makers, public influencers and regulators in East Africa, that include these key markets Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Rwanda, Burundi and Madagascar.

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• Visa is well positioned to leverage potential partnerships with national government agencies particularly in the areas of financial inclusion, economic digitization, the delivery of social services, government disbursements and collections, and other potential government programs that may benefit from the application of digital payments

• The expansion of the industry in general, and Visa in particular, is not hindered by intrusive political or regulatory intervention

• Visa’s profile and reputation are optimized through the delivery of coordinated communications and education targeted at key central bank officials, regulators, government officials, and other policy makers

• Visa’s outreach and messaging is consistent with similar efforts in other key markets around the world

Key responsibilities for the position

• Develop and implement an effective Government Engagement strategy for the area of responsibility

• Lead the development and building of stakeholder relationships with Governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations at all levels

• Ensure that Government Engagement plans are aligned with Visa’s strategic business objectives

• Establish and maintain effective long term relations with Governments and other external stakeholders at the appropriate levels

• Monitor the regulatory and policy management environment in East Africa in order to make timely interventions to protect Visa’s commercial interests

• Identify opportunities and support business development programs and initiatives

• Manage day to day Government Engagement operations and represent Visa at relevant forums in various markets

• Ensure optimization of meeting targets and Government Engagement objectives by introducing best practices

• Build and maintain internal relationships and enhance an understanding of the function within the company                                                                                                                                                      

Job Scope

• Reports to the Head of Government Engagement for Sub Saharan Africa in Johannesburg

• Works very closely with country, CEMEA hub level, and global colleagues including country management, Corporate Communications, Legal, Marketing, Strategy, Risk Management, Social Impact and Products departments

• Liaises closely with Government Engagement colleagues around the world to develop and refine best practices

• Works with cross divisional business teams as subject matter expert on policy and regulatory issues and government relations

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree
Minimum 8-10 years of experience
General understanding of the digital payments industry and its economic and social impact
Proven track record and experience in all aspects of developing and implementing stakeholder relations strategies
In-depth knowledge of the local business and political environments in the East African markets.
Political and business acumen
Ability to think creatively and innovatively
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Budgeting and financial management
Ability to work under pressure
A motivated, self starter who is able to work independently, within a team, and without daily supervision
A team player, able to work across various Visa functions
Computer literacy

Additional Information

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.