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.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: judith.okolie@up-ng.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.