Head of Government Affairs Southern Africa

This dynamic position to be based in Visas 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 Visas 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
• Visas 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
• Visas 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 Visas 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 Visas 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.                                                                             

Qualifications :

- Bachelors 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

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