Director, Government Affairs & Policy

Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. Title and Summary Director, Government Affairs & Policy Overview The Director of Government Affairs & Policy (GAP)– Cybersecurity for the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region will champion cyber diplomacy and execute both regional and global engagement strategies to foster a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital economy. This pivotal role will engage with governments and establish public-private partnerships across EEMEA, while also advancing Mastercard’s cybersecurity policy priorities on a global scale. The position requires a deep understanding of regional legislative processes, as well as the intricacies of geopolitics and international relations in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse regions. The Director will be responsible for coordinating internal efforts across various regions and business functions and liaising externally with industry stakeholders, trade organizations, governments, and multilateral entities, in alignment with the EEMEA GAP SVP and other GAP Leads within EEMEA. This leader will work closely and coordinate with GAP Cluster Leads to represent Mastercard in bilateral and multilateral cyber dialogues, international forums, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that regional insights from EEMEA contribute to and align with the company’s global cybersecurity strategies. Responsibilities • Advance Mastercard’s global cybersecurity policy objectives with EEMEA governments and stakeholders, reporting to the EEMEA Regional Lead for Government Affairs & Policy. • Contribute to the development and execution of global and region-specific cyber policy strategies that are fully aligned with national and institutional objectives of EEMEA countries. • Represent Mastercard in regional and international cyber policy fora and carry out multi-country advocacy campaigns to engage key stakeholders and government officials across EEMEA. • Monitor political, legislative, and decision-making processes of countries and multilateral organizations in the EEMEA region, providing timely assessments of implications for policy or business operations. • Prepare and deliver briefing documents, messaging points, and background materials for advocacy engagements and policymaker meetings relevant to the EEMEA context. • Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior government officials, foreign counterparts, and multilateral organizations operating in EEMEA and beyond. • Engage with industry partners, governments, and other stakeholders to build coalitions and strategic public-private partnerships that support Mastercard’s cybersecurity policy goals throughout EEMEA. • Collaborate internally at the global, regional, and local levels and across business functions (e.g., Government Affairs & Policy, Regulatory Affairs, Security Solutions, Corporate Security, Privacy, AI & Data Responsibility, Communications, Strategic Growth) to ensure unified messaging and alignment between EEMEA and global strategies. All About You The ideal candidate for this position should embody a global mindset and thrive in a multicultural environment, adept at building consensus across borders and cultures. Based in Dubai or Riyadh, the Director must demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and resilience as they navigate the rapid transformation and regulatory complexity characteristic of EEMEA. • A global team member who can work across multiple time zones and cultures, operating independently and constructively as a collaborative team player. High-energy, self-motivated. • Strong analytical approach to problem solving, with an ability to develop creative, actionable solutions to complex challenges, adapt to short deadlines, and work productively under pressure in dynamic commercial and policy environments. • Willingness to travel extensively within the EEMEA region and globally as necessary to advance initiatives and represent Mastercard at relevant events. • A distinguished track record of achievement in public policy, government relations, and/or related government experience, particularly within EEMEA government institutions or relevant international organizations. • Thorough understanding of the political, legislative, and decision-making processes of EEMEA countries and multilateral organizations, with the ability to anticipate regulatory trends and assess their impact on cyber policy. • A proven record of accomplishment in developing and advancing effective cybersecurity policy strategies, particularly in emerging markets and fast-changing regulatory landscapes. • Demonstrated ability to communicate with executives and external audiences on complicated policy matters and in complex political environments, tailoring messaging for maximum impact. • Knowledge of the financial services and/or technology industries, including the ability to analyze the impact of cyber policy proposals on the company and industry. Skills and Abilities • Ability to work cross-functionally and partner successfully with numerous business units within a matrixed organization. • Strong executive communication skills, capable of explaining complicated issues and processes in clear, simple terms for diverse audiences. • Superior analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges. • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced and competitive environment, adapting quickly to regulatory and market changes. • Ability to work with a wide range of personalities and interests, including industry colleagues, policymakers, staffers, academics, community leaders, and corporate executives in EEMEA. • Deep integrity and excellent values that immediately generate respect and trust among colleagues and external stakeholders. • Selfless attitude and commitment to the team, taking pride of ownership for all individual and team outputs. Professional Language Proficiency • English (required) • Arabic (preferred) • Any additional regional languages (e.g., French, Russian, Turkish) will be considered an asset Corporate Security Responsibility All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must: Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices; Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed; Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.