Head of Government Affairs

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.

This dynamic position, to be based in Visa's Johannesburg office, requires a proactive, solution oriented, articulate, strategic thinker, who is able to operate and interact at the highest levels of Government. The position involves frequent travel to the 7 markets in Southern Africa- Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Position Summary

The position will be responsible for managing all of Visa's interaction with key government officials, policy makers, public influencers and regulators in these key markets in Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

• 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 Affairs strategy for the areas of responsibility
• Lead the development and building of stakeholder relationships with Governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations at all levels
• Ensure that Government Affairs 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 Southern Africa to make timely interventions to protect Visa's commercial interests
• Identify opportunities and support business development programs and initiatives
• Manage day to day Government Affairs operations and represent Visa at relevant forums in various markets
• Ensure optimization of meeting targets and Government Affairs 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 Affairs for Southern and Eastern 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 Affairs 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 affairs.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager

- Bachelor's degree or similar in Law, Public Policy, International Relations or related fields

- At least 8-10 years experience in government relations, regulatory or public affairs role

Key competencies

• 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 Southern 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

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.