Head of Government Affairs – Southern Africa Job at Visa

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.                                                                             

Qualifications

• 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, selfstarter who is able to work independently, within a team, and without daily supervision
• A team player, able to work across various Visa functions