| Head of Government Affairs, Middle East | |
| Visa International Dubai, UAE Ref: GP752-72 |
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The RoleThe RoleVisa Inc. is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories, enabling them to use digital currency instead of cash and checks. Visa does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations enable its bank customers to offer consumers choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. 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 anytime, make purchases online, transfer funds and access basic financial services. All of which makes their lives easier and helps grow economies. Behind the Visa brand are more than 6,000 talented employees who continuously raise the bar with innovative solutions and products that deliver the convenience and security of digital currency to more people all over the world. ROLE SUMMARY The Head of Government Affairs, Middle East will be responsible for expanding Visa's interaction with national and sub-national government officials throughout the Middle East region to ensure the following: • Visa's profile and reputation are optimized through the delivery of coordinated communications and education targeted at key government officials and other policy makers both directly and through appropriate surrogates; • The expansion of the industry in general, and Visa in particular, is not hindered by intrusive political or regulatory intervention; • Visa is well positioned to take advantage of potential business partnerships with national and sub-national government agencies in the delivery of social services, payment of taxes, and other potential government programs that may benefit from the application of electronic payments; and, • Visa's outreach and messaging in the Middle East is consistent with similar efforts in other key markets around the world. JOB DESCRIPTION Position Responsibilities: • Develop and implement an overall government relations strategy in close coordination with the region's business leaders to achieve agreed objectives including enhanced relationships with senior government officials in each of the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) member states • Monitor the regulatory and political landscape for threats and opportunities to Visa's business throughout the Middle East and communicate this intelligence to locally-based business leaders, functional colleagues, and global leadership. • Be acutely aware of potential global implications of local issues and coordinate their management with global colleagues. • Manage Visa's relationships with officials at key government agencies (e.g., Ministries of Economy, Ministries of Tourism, etc.) throughout the Middle East including education of these officials about the value of Visa thereby improving the company's overall reputation. • Regularly communicate directly with lawmakers, government officials, and policy makers that may impact Visa's business to enhance Visa's reputation and competitive position. • Develop and deliver informative and engaging local communications about the value of Visa and the payments industry in general that is fully aligned with business priorities and global messaging. • Support adequate and ongoing country manager contact with key lawmakers and regulators. • Recommend appropriate contacts and communication channels between Visa country and global executive leadership and senior government officials. • Ensure local, group, and global business subject matter experts conduct regular face-to-face technical issue briefings with government officials. • Recommend, engage, and manage Visa's relationships with necessary third-party intermediaries including government relations advisors, industry associations, broad-based and business trade associations, diplomatic missions and civil society organizations. • Establish and maintain appropriate contact with counterparts at other industry participants including client banks. • Promote Visa's reputation and profile by speaking at public events, legislative hearings, industry conferences, association committees and roundtables, etc. • Contribute to the development of Visa's Corporate Social Responsibility program and Corporate charitable activities in countries in the Middle East ensuring reputable positioning of Visa thus minimizing political risks and negative consequences. Job Scope • Reports to Head of Government Relations, APCEMEA • Works very closely with country, group-level, and global colleagues including country management, corporate relations, legal, marketing, strategy, and product groups • Liaises closely with functional colleagues around the world to develop and refine best practices • Works with cross divisional business teams as subject matter expert on regulatory issues and government relations • Consultancies and advisors report directly to the job holder in coordination with local business leaders • Manages annual budget of approximately US$1,500,000 |
RequirementsRequirementsQUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE • 15+ years in relevant corporate position; regulatory or government agency; and/or consultancy serving equivalent clients • Active network of senior government contacts in key Middle East countries, particularly member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council • In-depth knowledge of the local business and political environments • Political acumen • Strong banking and/or technology pedigree • Strategic advocacy and communications planning skills • Superior inter-personal and presentational skills • Outstanding written communications abilities • Fluency in Arabic • First degree minimum; advanced degree preferred • Strong digital research and communications skills |
About the CompanyAbout the CompanyVisa operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network and is one of the most recognized global financial services brands. Visa facilitates global commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses and government entities. We offer a range of branded payment product platforms, which our financial institution clients use to develop and offer credit, charge, deferred debit, prepaid and cash access programs to cardholders. Visa's card platforms provide consumers, businesses, merchants and government entities with a secure, convenient and reliable way to pay and be paid in 170 countries and territories. |
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