Country Manager - Nigeria

What is the role?

As the Country Manager, you will oversee all operations within Nigeria ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with pawaPay’s global objectives. This role combines strategic leadership with tactical execution, engaging with government bodies, regulators, mobile network operators (MNOs), banks, and internal stakeholders to drive market growth and maintain operational excellence.

You will report directly to the Head of Cluster - East and Central Africa, and demonstrate a proactive attitude towards task execution and delivery of core company objectives. You will demonstrate experience of working within the industry to form an expert view on our product and confidently communicating this to internal and external stakeholders.

Your main duties will include:

• Act as the primary local contact for all in-country stakeholders, including MNO's, regulators, central banks, and partners 
• Foster strong relationships with regulatory authorities, ensuring compliance with local laws and requirements
• Building effective relationships with MNOs in order to resolve any problems in a timely manner
• Represent pawaPay at industry events and conferences to enhance visibility and foster partnerships
• Ensure the timely and accurate resolution of operational issues with MNOs, banks, and other partners
• Support the execution of wallet operations, including transfers, settlements, and reconciliations, ensuring SLAs are met.
• Provide Level 1 support for troubleshooting local banking, treasury, and IT issues
• Act as the first line of defense (1LOD) in identifying business risks and opportunities specific to the market
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, banking regulations, and financial reporting
• Stay updated on emerging trends or policies impacting the business and provide actionable insights
• Ensuring that the Company has a strong and positive relationship with the in country regulators
• Support People Operations in onboarding, offboarding, and other HR-related activities
• Conduct market research and gather insights on competition, payment methods, and regulatory changes
• Collaborate with Partner Success to support expansion initiatives, including new MNO integrations and merchant onboarding
• Identify new business opportunities and share leads with the sales team
• Coordinate with the finance team for statutory filings, and financial reporting
• Primary liaison with the Company’s banks for any management, maintenance and administrative matters as they arise
• Engage with tax authorities and manage relationships with local tax advisors.

What is required of the ideal candidate?

• Solid experience within business development, developing and maintaining key relationships, and navigating complex environments
• Background in general management, operations, or a related leadership role, ideally in fintech, telecom, or banking
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills and a can-do attitude
• Flexibility in working hours - availability to attend to Support requests around the clock
• A team player: demonstrates passion, energy, drive, and a willingness to collaborate with an ambitious team internationally
• Responsible: willing to take initiative as well as ownership of tasks and follow them through to completion.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing relationships with cross-functional teams within matrixed organizations would be beneficial.