Head of Government Engagement- North East Africa and Levant

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.

The Head of Government Engagement will work closely with country, group-level, and global colleagues including Country Management, Corporate Communications, Legal, Marketing, Strategy, Risk Management, Social Impact and Products departments. A bilingual Arabic speaker will be essential 

• Liaises closely with Government Engagement colleagues around the world to develop and refine best practices for Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

  
  

• Works with cross divisional business teams as subject matter expert on policy and regulatory issues and government relations

  
  

• Develop and implement an effective Government Engagement strategy for the area of responsibility 

  
  

• Lead the development and building of stakeholder relationships with Governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations at all levels 

  
  

• Ensure that Government Engagement 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 the region covered in order to make timely interventions to protect Visa’s commercial interests 

  
  

• Identify opportunities and support business development programs and initiatives 

  
  

• Manage day to day Government Engagement operations and represent Visa at relevant forums 

  
  

• Ensure optimization of meeting targets and Government Engagement objectives by introducing best practices 

  
  

• Build and maintain internal relationships and enhance an understanding of the function within the company

  
  

The person will report to the VP of Government Engagement for the GCC & NALP region   

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.

• 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 region covered
• Political and business acumen
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• 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
• Fluency in English and Arabic is essential

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.