Manager, External Affairs - UAE

Company Description We’re Checkout.com – you might not know our name, but companies like eBay, ASOS, Klarna, Uber Eats, and Sony do. That moment when you check out online? We make it happen. Checkout.com is where the world checks out. Our global network powers billions of transactions every year, making money move without making a fuss. We spent years perfecting a service most people will never notice. Because when digital payments just work, businesses grow, customers stay, and no one stops to think about why. With 19 offices spanning six continents, we feel at home everywhere – but London is our HQ. Wherever our people work their magic, they’re fast-moving, performance-obsessed, and driven by being better every day. Ideal. Because a role here isn’t just another job; it’s a career-defining opportunity to build the future of fintech. Job Description You will be leading external affairs in one of Checkout.com’s most important geographies. The External Affairs team sits within the Legal, Risk and Compliance department, and manages Checkout.com’s engagement with regulators, governments and other third parties. External Affairs at Checkout.com covers regulatory affairs, public policy, government relations and licensing. This is Checkout.com’s first External Affairs role in the MENA region, meaning you can really make your mark. You will be working with all areas of the business and be the primary architect of the company’s reputation in a strategic growth market. You will have a seat at the table with local executives and the freedom to shape how Checkout.com is perceived by the government and regulator. If you thrive in high-stakes environments, enjoy solving difficult problems, excel at building relationships and influencing people, and want to be the face of our public policy strategy in the region, this is the role for you. What you’ll do Build relationships : Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government bodies and relevant third parties. You will ensure Checkout.com is viewed as a strategic partner. Regulatory affairs : Work with the Legal and Compliance team to handle regulatory enquiries, with a particular focus on narrative and positioning. Advocacy : You will design and execute advocacy campaigns to secure Checkout.com’s regulatory priorities, delivering positive commercial outcomes. Public policy: Analyse legislation to understand opportunities and risks. Influence fintech policy in the MENA region before it becomes law. Narrative : Craft a UAE specific external narrative and then tell the Checkout.com story. Industry advocacy : Represent Checkout.com in industry associations, forums and conferences. What we are looking for 6 years of experience working in external affairs (public affairs agency, in-house role, trade body), or in government or a financial services regulator. A strong understanding of the UAE political and regulatory machinery, with an ability to navigate the local landscape effectively A proven ability to build deep relationships and influence decisions The ability to analyse complex technical policy and create actionable strategies ( You do not need to be a financial services expert but you must prove that you have the ability to understand a new and complex subject quickly ) A track record of keeping calm under pressure A practical, solutions-oriented focus and enthusiasm for taking on new challenges Impeccable written communication skills to be able to deliver a message succinctly Being comfortable using data is a strong advantage Fluency in Business Arabic (spoken and written) is a strong advantage Previous FinTech, payments, software, e-commerce and/or bank experience is desirable but not essential Experience working in a start up or other fast-paced and dynamic environment is desirable but not essential Bring all of you to work We create the conditions for high performers to thrive – through real ownership, fewer blockers, and work that makes ... (truncated, view full listing at source)