Job Title:

Director, Government Affairs and Policy, Ukraine & Moldova

Overview:

Our Purpose
We work to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. We cultivate a culture of inclusion (https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/vision/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion.html) for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better business results.

Job Title
Director, Government Affairs and Policy
Overview
Mastercard is looking for a Government Affairs and Policy Director, Ukraine and Moldova to drive public policy activities to support the interests of the Mastercard business by managing the relationships between Mastercard and government officials, central banks, policymakers and key third party stakeholders in those countries, and also, at an international level as required.
The jobholder is to bring a positive commitment to joining a dynamic and collaborative team of individuals focused on the formulation and implementation of strategic plans for government and third-party influencer engagement to positively shape the policy debate and outcome.
The role of the Public Policy Director, Ukraine, Moldova is to:
1. Execute legislative strategy for a specific business area or market and work to continuously refine its application:
• Liaise and develop relationships with policymakers to advocate on issues impacting Mastercard business and the industry;
• Lead and execute the delivery of strategic public policy outreach programs related to issues management, social responsibilities, etc.;
• Manage relationships with external consultants, and/or subject matter advocates on legislative and policy matters;
• Coaches and mentors others while serving as a public policy expert and sharing specialist knowledge on a specific policy legislative area and/or market.
2. Position Mastercard as a trusted partner and enabler of the national agenda, focusing on accelerating the migration to digital payments to enable digital economies, spur innovation and drive financial inclusion.
3. Support and enable business and cross functional teams to help safeguard Mastercard's interests by advocating for a conducive policy and regulatory environment.
4. As part of the larger Government Affairs and Policy team in the region, support and in some cases lead the creation of a positive cycle of engagement whereby Mastercard’s policy advocacy is reinforced by demonstrating the company’s local relevance and value proposition through strategic communications and government programs.

Role
• Lead the development and execution of public policy strategy and implementable engagement programs in Ukraine and Moldova and creative plans to maintain momentum
• Contribute to the implementation of Mastercard’s business strategy in the region (Eastern Europe, MEA) including a wholistic approach to our wider Mastercard offerings and footprint.
• Create policy briefs, including necessary analysis and scenario options for the recommended course of action on a specific topic of interest for country, regional policy management and cross functional teams.
• Represent Mastercard in industry forums, associations, and related activities when asked by management.
• Maintain open communication channels with wider Mastercard government affairs and policy colleagues to ensure consistent messaging and approach to stakeholder management
• Manage the implementation of specific strategic projects and or operational tasks as directed by management.

All About You
Extensive professional experience in public policy and government relations.
• Proven track record in devising and implementing strategic public affairs campaigns for a large company, working with industry coalitions, third parties and media to significantly affect policy shift
• Excellent understanding of Ukrainian government and regulatory decision-making

• Strong and high level existing network among key policy-makers and stakeholders in the countries covered as well as merchant and consumer organisations, think tanks, academics etc.
• Ability to provide counsel on financial regulatory/legislative issues and work closely with country management teams.
• Confident and diplomatic manner with strong and proven influencing skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts in clear and understandable language.
• Strong linguistic skills. Fluent in Ukrainian and English (written and spoken) is an absolute requirement. Other languages are an asset.