Vice President, Government Engagement, SSA at Mastercard Nigeria

Mastercard - We are the global technology company behind the world’s fastest payments processing network. We are a vehicle for commerce, a connection to financial systems for the previously excluded, a technology innovation lab, and the home of Priceless®. We ensure every employee has the opportunity to be a part of something bigger and to change lives.  We believe as our company grows, so should you. We believe in connecting everyone to endless, priceless possibilities.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Vice President, Government Engagement, SSA

Job ref.: R-94395
Location: Lagos
Job Type: Full time

Overview

• Mastercard is dedicated to promoting inclusive growth and financial inclusion. The mandate of the Regional Government Engagement unit is to build durable, trusted relationships with key government agencies to accelerate their transition to a cashless ecosystem through digitalization, while increasing revenues and seeding new markets for Mastercard. 
• We drive relevance and revenues in the government space by developing effective go to market campaigns supported by clear priorities, success metrics and incentives. We provide expert sales support to both country managers and local sales resources through a solid client engagement playbook approach. We guide the transition from reactive solutions sales to strategic government engagement programs. And we ensure alignment between local, regional demand and our global solutions.
• The Regional Government Engagement Director / VP role focuses on aligning Mastercard’s product, service and ecosystem capabilities to solve for the challenges government client face today in the areas of financial inclusion, citizen services, economic development and government operational excellence. We do this by engaging, listening and leading. Our team is comprised of industry leaders, relationship builders and deal closers.
• We apply Mastercard’s digital tools, business insights, last-mile solutions and market organizing skills to support client success. We have a good idea what works. But we also have a passion for learning, exploring new capabilities, and applying the best methodologies and insights to the government business.
• This role is at the heart of our intent to scale our business across all key markets and regions to drive revenue, market relevance and social impact. The unit is regionally deployed and focuses on a select number of priority markets, segments and clients, directly agreed with the senior leadership in the region.
• The Government Engagement Director / VP is accountable for:
  • Orchestrating Mastercard’s engagement with market / regional government and associated agencies.
  • The support in the development of the market / regional government strategy, depending on the assignment given, including a list of prioritized client and solution opportunities.
  • The aligment of global, regional and local resources to drive execution, in close coordination with the Region’s & Divisions’ Presidents, the Government Engagement Regional Lead, selected Country Managers and the Mastercard Strategic Growth regional teams.
  • Direct engagement on key government opportunities, developing the business opportunities across the market / region, assisting country managers and helping win strategic deals.
  • Capacity building at the market level by training sales on relevant Mastercard solutions, narrative and client references.
  • The support to the regional and global communities of practice to cross-fertilize regional and global best practices.
  • This position reports directly to the Regional Government Engagement Lead

Role

• Support the Regional Government Engagement Lead in the development and execution of the market / regional government strategy - depending on the assignment given - starting from:
  • Understanding local, national and regional priorities.
  • Engaging regional, divisional and market leadership to prioritize clients and solution opportunities. Develop a solid projects pipeline, drive conversion over time and secure revenues
  • Securing global, regional and local resources to execute on the plan and drive marquee wins.
  • Accelerate solutions deployment by providing expert sales support for marquee engagements.
  • Represent major government opportunities and projects within Strategic Growth. Drive strategic alignment.
  • Support the building and curation of a local community of practice. Act as the first line of support for divisional presidents, country managers, Public Policy and Account Teams for thought leadership and strategic engagements.

All About You

• Experience working for or closely with government agencies, managing process improvement and transformative change initiatives, as well as proven experience in engaging very senior government leaders to build durable relations.
• Proven track in leading government projects and / or commercial deals in the assigned region, division or market
• Consultative selling focused, with deep product, services, and solutions expertise.
• Adept at interacting with senior Mastercard stakeholders in terms of engagement, communication and transparency of purpose. Can skillfully lead complex regional initiatives that require collaboration across functional, geographical and cultural lines.
• Demonstrated ability to work across divisional boundaries, within the assigned region, division or market
• Self-motivated, thrives in a fast-paced environment; readiness to take-on stretch goals.
• Strong gravitas, exceptional relationship management, influencing and communication skills.
• Undergraduate degree required. MBA or graduate degree preferred.
• Fluency in English and in the local language in the assigned market or division is required. At least one other regional language a strong plus.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online