Role overview

Checkout.com is a global fintech platform processing over 10 billion transactions yearly for major clients including eBay, Spotify, Klarna, and Uber. This Senior Manager, External Affairs position is the company’s first dedicated external affairs role in the MENA region, based in Dubai, offering the opportunity to establish Checkout.com’s regulatory and government relations strategy in a strategically important market.

Key responsibilities

Build and sustain relationships with regulators, government bodies, and relevant stakeholders to position Checkout.com as a trusted strategic partner.
Manage regulatory inquiries in collaboration with Legal and Compliance teams, with emphasis on narrative development and strategic positioning.
Design and implement advocacy campaigns that advance Checkout.com’s regulatory priorities and generate positive business outcomes.
Analyse emerging legislation to identify opportunities and risks, and influence fintech policy development in the MENA region before it is enacted.
Develop and communicate a UAE-specific external narrative that tells Checkout.com’s story effectively to key audiences.
Represent the company in industry associations, forums, and conferences across the region.

Requirements

Several years of professional experience in external affairs, whether through a public affairs agency, in-house corporate role, or trade body position, or equivalent experience in government or financial services regulation.
Deep understanding of UAE political and regulatory structures with demonstrated ability to navigate the local environment effectively.
Proven track record of building relationships and influencing decision-making at senior levels.
Ability to analyse complex technical policy matters and develop actionable strategies, with capacity to quickly understand new and complex subjects.
Strong composure and resilience in high-pressure situations with a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
Excellent written communication skills with the ability to convey messages with clarity and concision.
Fluency in Business Arabic (spoken and written) is a strong advantage; comfort working with data analytics is also valued.

What makes this role worth considering

This is Checkout.com’s inaugural External Affairs position in MENA, meaning you will have significant autonomy to shape the company’s reputation and public policy approach in a growth market. You will work directly with local leadership, sitting at the executive table with the freedom and resources to establish how the company is perceived by government and regulatory bodies in the region.