Head of Government Affairs, Central and Western Francophone Africa

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.

Head of Government Affairs, Central West Francophone Africa (CWFA)

Based in Visa’s Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire office, this dynamic position requires a proactive, solution-oriented, articulate, and strategic thinker who can operate and interact at the highest levels of government. The role involves frequent travel within Francophone West and Central Africa.

Position Summary

This role is responsible for managing Visa’s relationships with key government officials, policymakers, public influencers, and regulators in CWFA markets, including Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Cameroon.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an effective Government Affairs strategy within the region.

• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with governments, businesses, and NGOs at all levels.

• Align Government Affairs plans with Visa’s strategic business objectives.

• Establish and sustain long-term relationships with governments and external stakeholders.

• Monitor the regulatory and policy environment in CWFA countries and intervene as needed to protect Visa’s interests.

• Identify opportunities and support business development initiatives.

• Manage day-to-day Government Affairs operations and represent Visa at relevant forums.

• Optimize achievement of targets and objectives by introducing best practices.

• Foster internal relationships and promote understanding of the function within the company.

Key Competencies

• Understanding of the digital payments industry and its economic and social impact.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing stakeholder relations strategies.

• In-depth knowledge of business and political environments in Francophone West and Central Africa.

• 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.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Basic Qualifications
• 8+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or at least 5 years of experience with an advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, MBA, JD, MD), or 2 years with a PhD.
Preferred Qualifications
• 9+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 7+ years with an advanced degree, or 3+ years with a PhD.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, or related fields.
• 8–10 years’ experience in government relations, regulatory, or public affairs roles.

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.