Common Purpose, Uncommon Opportunity. Everyone at Visa works with one goal in mind – making sure that Visa is the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone everywhere. This is our global vision and the common purpose that unites the entire Visa team. As a global payments technology company, tech is at the heart of what we do: Our VisaNet network processes over 65,000 transactions per second for people and businesses around the world, enabling them to use digital currency instead of cash and checks. We are also global advocates for financial inclusion, working with partners around the world to help those who lack access to financial services join the global economy. Visa’s sponsorships, including the Olympics and FIFA™ World Cup, celebrate teamwork, diversity, and excellence throughout the world. If you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of people around the world, Visa offers an uncommon opportunity to build a strong, thriving career. Visa is fueled by our team of talented employees who continuously raise the bar on delivering the convenience and security of digital currency to people all over the world. Join our team and find out how Visa is everywhere you want to be.

Purpose

This is a key role within SSA CR organization, advancing Visa’s business interests across South and Southern Africa via the deployment of effective internal and external communications. He/she will actively contribute to the overall development of the Regional CEMEA CR function and agenda.

Principle Responsibilities/Key Results Area

• Proactively create and execute efficient and timely communications strategies that align to and support the regional business development priorities

• Build and maintain relationship with key media outlets across South and Southern Africa, in accordance with CR strategy and protocols with a particular focus on Tier One outlets. Become a key contributor to crisis/issues management in market/regions of responsibility.

• Act as a trusted advisor for senior executives on internal and employee related matters, including cultural change.

• Participate actively as a core member of the CEMEA CR team and advocate  the overall communications agenda and function priorities to regional leadership teams. Ensure CR plays an active role in shaping the business agenda locally.

• Raise awareness of the company and improve its corporate reputation among critical audiences in each market as measured by media coverage, message pull-through and, where possible, perception audits.

• Build and grow new external partnerships in line with our global Social Impact/CSR agenda.

• Build and implement product communications plans, with particular focus on digital payments and innovation.

• Effectively manage (if/where available) agency suppliers and coach them to excellence. Set goals for self, the team and the agency team to deliver against the CR strategy.

• Develop effective integrated communications programs jointly with the marketing teams on major projects.

• Participate as a key advisor on effective regional employee engagement programs.

• Operate as a flexible team member within the wider MEA communications team

Financial & Organizational Scope

• Implementation of the communications strategy for South and Southern Africa on all key issues and initiatives.

• Takes decisions on funding allocations across markets of responsibility, including Social Impact CSR and financial inclusion initiatives.

• Manages functional budget effectively against function and business priorities and within key controls.

Key Performance Indicators

Extent to which:

• CR is regarded as a strategic business partner by internal clients, especially GCMs.

• CR team members are being developed according to the CR development plan.

• Individual is regarded as a “high contributor” in CEMEA CR and SSA business leadership team discussions.

• Awareness of the benefits of Visa specifically, and electronic payments more broadly, across all markets has increased.

• Social media has become a core channel for corporate communications across all markets, in compliance with Visa policies and protocols.

• Visa online presence is appropriately optimized.

• Visa is winning share of voice in the media versus competition for product / innovation news.

• CR is regarded as an active and value-add player in resolving issues.

• Our Social Impact/CSR platforms (especially financial inclusion and literacy) are appreciated by key external constituents.

• All CR activities reflect the highest ethical standards, including full compliance with Visa Key Controls.

Professional - the successful candidate will have 10+ years of experience, preferably both in-house and within agency. 

Technical - proven track record across the communications mix, especially issue management, corporate communications and product communications.

Thorough understanding of how to manage and run media campaigns and has a proven ability to pull together annual operating plans and budgets.      

Business - Deep South and Southern Africa knowledge preferred as the immediate weighting in terms of job focus will be to tackle communications & growth challenges in this market.

Relationship-building is critical: must be able to demonstrate track record of influencing senior
management with respect to agenda and budget.  

Demonstrate a relentless drive for results and have a highly ambitious mindset. 

Executive presence is key as is the ability to clearly articulate strategic objectives and match them to
business plans, both in-market and across the CEMEA region.

Able to coachteams across borders and work across functions to secure buy in when necessary.

Reporting Relationships & Interactions

Head of Corporate Relations, MEA (based in Dubai) - reporting

Regional CMs (South Africa, Southern Africa)

Group Country Manager, SSA

Regional Functional Leads

CEMEA Communications Hub Team