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 13,000 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.

Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) combines nearly 90 emerging markets in one of the most diverse and multicultural regions in the world. The region is also Visa’s fastest-growing region. It has a unique story and is a blend of history, innovation and opportunity. By 2020, this region will account for more than 25% of the global population. Just think about that: one in four of the world’s citizens will live in this region. The region’s markets are evolving in different ways, at different speeds, with contrasting political, economic, social and technological challenges.

The Visa Consulting & Analytics Director is a lead consulting role in the Middle East and North Africa team (MENA). We are seeking a strategic, innovative and analytical thinker with the ability to deliver data-driven solutions through a consultative approach.

As a senior consultant that possess advanced analytics capabilities, you are expected to deliver across two key areas: 1) Champion data-driven strategies for our clients through high-impact storyboards and solutions, 2) Participate in business development, help deepen client relationships and optimize performance by developing and implementing strategies in the areas of digital, customer lifecycle management, risk and new product development and launches.

The successful candidate will work for a key client based in the UAE market.

 Principal Responsibilities

• Deliver Consulting and Analytics projects that drive innovation around data and data-related processes
• Set strategic direction and roadmap for client project delivery; resolve complex strategic problems
• Synthesize and manage complex project structures. Manage, facilitate Consulting and Analytics services that meet client's business targets (assignment objectives, project scope, budget, administration, external consultants' supervision and project delivery)
• Work closely with other Visa groups, including Product, Marketing etc., to ensure a seamless delivery from the client’s perspective
• Work with a broader team that consists of Business Managers, Consultants and Data Scientists from both Visa and the client organization to strategies, co-create, deploy and reap the benefits of data-driven solutions
• Work with regional Data Science team to develop high-quality products and solutions that promote growth and business development for the region
• Develop project pitches and secure new Consulting and Data Science assignments with the client, as well as "re-engagement opportunities" using a consultative sales approach
• Develop and deliver client training programs that impart best practices and knowledge sharing to Visa clients, incorporating other global practice areas within Visa where appropriate
• Manage the applicable Visa Consulting budget and resources to perform all required duties
• Liaise with Visa functional teams (Finance, Audit, Legal, Tax, Sourcing) to define and implement processes to optimize the daily engagement of vendors and the relationship with the client
• Managing team workload, providing prioritization guidance for project flow to improve process efficiency
• Socialize innovative ideas and approaches that are scalable and have market demand

Professional experience

• Minimum of 10+ years of expertise in applying data-driven solutions to business problems combined with solid experience gained within the financial services practice of a top-tier consulting firm
• Experience working in one or more of the Card Payments markets around the globe
• Good understanding of the Payments and Banking Industry including aspects such as consumer credit, consumer debit, prepaid, small business, commercial, co-branded and merchant
• Good knowledge of data, market intelligence, business intelligence, and AI-driven tools and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate new techniques to solve business problems
• Deep consulting skills and client engagement capabilities. Advanced client management and presentation skills. Credibility with clients and working teams and applying diplomacy to extract desired outcomes. Comfortable interacting with and presenting to senior management of clients and Visa
• Advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills
• Superior project management skills. Fluent communicator
• Self-motivated and able to use own initiative with limited direction
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with inter-disciplinary groups
• Experience building and cultivating teams
• Experience planning, organizing, and managing multiple large projects with diverse cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated resource planning and delivery skills
• Able to deliver results within committed scope, timeline and budget
• Very strong people/project management skills and experience
• Able to travel within MENA on short notice
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Fluency in English mandatory. Arabic desired but not a prerequisite

Technical Expertise

• Good understanding of data platforms and distributed computing environments (Hadoop, Elasticsearch, etc.) and familiar with the differences amongst common database systems and value stores (SQL, Hive, HBase, etc.)
• Familiarity with the landscape of commonly-used Data Science tools and techniques (Jupyter, Spark, Kafka, SAS)
• Understanding of API’s and microservices and how they are deployed within common architecture frameworks
• Familiarity with common data modeling approaches and various datatypes, such as JSON, XML, etc.
• Strong familiarity with data pipeline steps (e.g. ETL, data preparation, data aggregation and analysis); well-acquainted with the importance of data lineage and schema management
• Knowledge of data mining and statistical modeling techniques, including Predictive modeling; Classification techniques (e.g., Clustering, Principal Component Analysis, factor analysis); and Decision Tree techniques (e.g., CART, CHAID)

Business Experience

• Results-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
• Good business acumen with a track record in solving business problems through data-driven quantitative methodologies.
• Experience in payment, retail banking, or retail merchant industries is preferred
• Team oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style
• Very detailed oriented, is expected to ensure highest level of quality/rigor in reports and data analysis
• Proven skills in translating analytics output to actionable recommendations and delivery 
• Experience in presenting ideas and analysis to stakeholders whilst tailoring data-driven results to various audience levels
• Exhibits intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning

 Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity, maturity and a constructive approach to business challenges
• Role model for the organization and implementing core Visa Values
• Respect for the individuals at all levels in the workplace
• Strives for excellence and extraordinary results
• Use sound insights and judgments to make informed decisions in line with business strategy and needs
• Leadership skills include an ability to allocate tasks and resources across multiple lines of businesses and geographies. Leadership extends to ability to influence senior management within and outside Visa Consulting & Analytics
• Ability to successfully persuade/influence internal stakeholders for building best-in-class solutions
• Change management leadership

Role based out of Dubai, UAE