Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, banks and governments in more than 200 countries and territories, enabling them to use digital currency instead of cash and checks.
Visa has built one of the world’s most advanced processing networks. It’s capable of handling more than 24,000 transactions per second, with reliability, convenience and security, including fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants.
Visa does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its bank customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products.
Governments around the world have switched to digital currency instead of checks for benefits payments and purchasing in order to increase efficiency and lower costs, saving taxpayers money.
Visa is giving more people in more places access to electronic payments. From the world’s major cities to remote areas without banks, people are increasingly relying on digital currency along with mobile technology to use their money any time, make purchases online, transfer funds across borders and access basic financial services. All of which makes their lives easier and grows economies.Position Summary
This role is responsible for driving the achievement of Visa’s regulatory and policy objectives through strategic engagements with key government officials, policymakers, public influencers, and regulators in anglophone West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia).
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute a West African Government Affairs strategy, with clear objectives, timelines, and actions aligned to Visa’s global policy and regional priorities.
Manage operations including budgets, reporting, and timely delivery of high-quality position papers, policy briefs, analyses, and engagement plans.
Align policy initiatives with business goals and provide guidance to support market growth and innovation.
Monitor and influence legislation, regulation, and policy affecting Visa’s interests, advocating for favorable outcomes.
Build and sustain relationships with government bodies, industry groups, NGOs, and multilaterals. Represent Visa in strategic forums to shape payment policies.
Implement best practices in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory monitoring, refine processes for efficiency and impact.
Promote internal awareness of Government Affairs through training, briefings, and updates.
Key Competencies
Understanding of the digital payments industry and its economic and social impact.
Strong ability to analyze, interpret, and anticipate regulations and policy frameworks impacting digital payments and fintech ecosystems.
Proven experience in developing and implementing stakeholder relations strategies.
In-depth knowledge of business and political environments in Nigeria.
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.
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.
The role involves frequent travel within anglophone West Africa.
This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
10+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or at least 7 years of experience with an advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, MBA, JD, MD), or 3 years with a PhD.
Preferred Qualifications
12+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 9+ years with an advanced degree, or 5+ years with a PhD.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, or related fields.
10–12 years’ experience in government relations, regulatory, or public policy roles.