Head, Policy / Government Regulations at Unified Payment Services Limited

Unified Payment Services Limited is a group of companies with services including Banking, Payment Scheme, Financial Technology, Digital Commerce, Value Added Service, Payment Solutions, Software Solutions, etc. Unified Payments is a principal member or licensed acquirer of American Express, Mastercard, Visa and UnionPay; and has been instrumental in building the infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s modern payments ecosystem.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Policy / Government Regulations

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Objective

• The Head of the Policy/Government Regulations Department will lead the organization’s efforts in navigating and complying with relevant government regulations and policies.
• This role involves developing, implementing, and overseeing regulatory strategies to ensure full compliance with the requirements of national and international laws and regulations as well as industry standards.
• The position will focus on maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulatory developments, advising senior management and the Board on potential risks and opportunities, and fostering effective collaboration with government agencies and industry associations.

 Duties & Responsiblities

• Develop and execute the organization’s regulatory strategy to ensure compliance with all relevant government regulations and policies.
• Liaise and respond to enquiries and requests from regulators and law enforcement agencies.
• Ensure there is an effective system for the reporting of AML/CFT/CPF and code of conduct violations and investigation within the organization
• Ensure the organization is in compliance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations.
• Monitor regulatory changes, legislation, and industry trends to ensure the organization’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide timely and accurate updates to senior management and department heads regarding risks, opportunities and the impact of regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with legal and other departments to ensure the effective implementation of regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory filings, reports, and communications to government agencies.
• Identify and assess risks related to regulatory compliance and develop mitigation strategies to address potential issues.
• Provide training and guidance on policy changes and regulatory requirements across the organization.
• Lead efforts to align internal processes, systems, and operations with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support the development of internal audits, compliance and risk management frameworks to maintain compliance.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is preferred.

General Experience Technical Skills:

• Experience: Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in policy, regulatory affairs, government relations, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations, laws, and compliance standards in the organization’s industry.
• Strong understanding of governmental processes, public policy, and regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in managing relationships with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders. Proficiency in risk management, compliance systems, and reporting mechanisms. Certifications: Certifications in regulatory compliance, policy development, or public administration (e.g., Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), or similar) are a plus.
• Experience working with government agencies, industry bodies, and regulatory authorities.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with senior executives, regulators, and external partners.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex regulatory and policy issues.
• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate across different departments and external stakeholders.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2026.