Head of Government Affairs, Central and Western Francophone Africa (CWFA)

Head of Government Affairs Central West Francophone Africa (CWFA)

Based in Visas Abidjan Cote dIvoire office this dynamic position requires a proactive solution-oriented articulate and strategic thinker who can operate and interact at the highest levels of government. The role involves frequent travel within Francophone West and Central Africa.

Position Summary

This role is responsible for managing Visas relationships with key government officials policymakers public influencers and regulators in CWFA markets including Cote dIvoire Senegal and Cameroon.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an effective Government Affairs strategy within the region.

• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with governments businesses and NGOs at all levels.

• Align Government Affairs plans with Visas strategic business objectives.

• Establish and sustain long-term relationships with governments and external stakeholders.

• Monitor the regulatory and policy environment in CWFA countries and intervene as needed to protect Visas interests.

• Identify opportunities and support business development initiatives.

• Manage day-to-day Government Affairs operations and represent Visa at relevant forums.

• Optimize achievement of targets and objectives by introducing best practices.

• Foster internal relationships and promote understanding of the function within the company.

Key Competencies

• Understanding of the digital payments industry and its economic and social impact.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing stakeholder relations strategies.

• In-depth knowledge of business and political environments in Francophone West and Central Africa.

• Strong political and business acumen.

• Creative and innovative thinking.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Budgeting and financial management experience.

• Ability to work under pressure.

• Motivated self-starter able to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.

• Strong teamwork and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Computer literacy.

• Fluent in French and English 

Job Scope

• Reports to the Senior Director and Head of Government Affairs for Western and Central Africa.

• Works closely with country CEMEA hub-level and global colleagues including teams in Country Management Corporate Communications Legal Marketing Strategy Risk Management Social Impact and Products.

• Collaborates with Government Affairs colleagues globally to develop and refine best practices.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on policy regulatory issues and government relations for cross-divisional business teams.

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

Qualifications :

Basic Qualifications
8 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors degree or at least 5 years of experience with an advanced degree (e.g. Masters MBA JD MD) or 2 years with a PhD.
Preferred Qualifications
9 years of relevant experience with a Bachelors degree 7 years with an advanced degree or 3 years with a PhD.
Bachelors degree or equivalent in Public Policy International Relations Law or related fields.
810 years experience in government relations regulatory or public affairs roles.

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.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time