Payments Transformation Lead

JOB TITLE: Payments Transformation Lead

LOCATION: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Payments Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the design and development of large-scale, multi-country payment infrastructure initiatives across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

This role will play a critical part in shaping next-generation payment schemes and digital payment ecosystems, supporting clients, governments, financial institutions, and payment stakeholders across the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define modern, multi-instrument payment architectures (cards, wallets, mobile money, and QR payments).
• Design solutions covering:

- Switching, routing, and authorization.

- Unified back-office processing (clearing, reconciliation, and settlement).

- API-first and ISO 20022-based ecosystems.

• Translate complex requirements into structured, compelling proposals.
• Incorporate MEA market realities and multi-country deployment considerations into solution designs.
• Contribute to scheme economics, licensing models, and governance frameworks.
• Lead end-to-end RFP response development, including technical, functional, and commercial inputs.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• 12–15 years of experience in payments, fintech, banking, or transaction processing environments.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing large-scale payment infrastructures and ecosystems.
• Strong expertise across:

- Card payments (issuing, acquiring, processing, and schemes).

- Mobile money ecosystems.

- Digital wallets and QR payments.

- POS, ATM, e-commerce, and omnichannel payment acceptance.

• Deep knowledge of:

- ISO 8583, ISO 20022, APIs, EMVCo, and PCI DSS.

• Mandatory experience working across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
• Proven track record of leading or contributing to successful RFP, bid, and proposal responses.

WHY JOIN US

• Opportunity to shape a next-generation, transaction-based regional payment scheme that extends beyond traditional card payments.
• Work on a multi-vertical payments ecosystem spanning banking, mobile money, and digital services.
• High-impact, strategic role with significant ownership and influence.