Senior Business Development Manager (Payments Solutions)

Job Description As Senior Business Development Manager – MENA & Africa, you will be responsible for driving Finera's commercial expansion across the broader MENA region, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and African markets. This is a senior, high-ownership role combining market intelligence, provider strategy, and relationship management to grow Finera's payment solutions footprint in some of the world's fastest-developing payment ecosystems. You will identify and secure regional payment solutions, negotiate commercial arrangements with providers, and work cross-functionally to ensure new payment methods reach production. A strong grasp of local payment infrastructure — from regional card schemes and mobile money to local APMs — is essential. Job Requirements Professional Experience • Proven experience in payments, fintech, or iGaming — within a PSP, acquirer, aggregator, or similar environment • Background in business development, partnerships, or provider acquisition roles • Demonstrated experience operating across MENA or African markets • Experience with high-risk verticals including iGaming, crypto, or forex is a strong advantage • Strong deal-making track record with a focus on long-term commercial partnerships Payment Domain Knowledge • Deep understanding of PSPs, local acquirers, and regional payment institutions • Familiarity with card networks, APMs, mobile money, e-wallets, and regional payment rails specific to MENA and Africa • Knowledge of local regulatory environments and licensing requirements across target markets Nice to Have • Existing network of PSPs and payment providers across MENA or Africa • Arabic or French language skills (written and spoken) • Experience with payment orchestration platforms • Exposure to cross-border payment flows between Africa and the broader MENA region Job Responsibilities Market Expansion & Solution Sourcing • Identify and secure payment solutions across MENA and African markets aligned with merchant and business requirements • Expand regional payment coverage in line with Finera's strategic roadmap and priority verticals • Map local payment landscapes to identify coverage gaps, emerging rails, and commercial opportunities • Monitor regulatory and licensing developments across target markets that may affect provider availability Provider Evaluation & Selection • Lead commercial negotiations with PSPs, local acquirers, payment institutions, and mobile money operators across the region • Evaluate providers across fee structures, GEO coverage, settlement terms, and performance benchmarks • Structure deals aligned with Finera's business model and margin expectations • Maintain and evolve a competitive provider matrix specific to MENA and Africa Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner closely with Product, Legal, Compliance, Sales, and Account Management teams • Support integration and go-live processes for newly onboarded regional providers • Act as the internal subject matter expert on MENA and African payment solutions and provider capabilities • Represent Finera at regional industry events, conferences, and provider meetings Job Benefits • Competitive salary package aligned with experience and market standards. • Medical Insurance starting from day 1. • Access to training resources and development opportunities that support your professional growth. • Well-stocked office with snacks, drinks, and refreshments available daily. • A multinational organisation that promotes a strong, collaborative culture • Regular team-building events and company activities that strengthen collaboration across teams. • Employee Recognition Program celebrating our "Employee of the Month" with special perks. Show more Show less

Professional Experience: Proven experience in payments, fintech, or iGaming — within a PSP, acquirer, aggregator, or similar environment. Background in business development, partnerships, or provider acquisition roles. Demonstrated experience operating across MENA or African markets. Experience with high-risk verticals including iGaming, crypto, or forex is a strong advantage. Strong deal-making track record with a focus on long-term commercial partnerships. Payment Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of PSPs, local acquirers, and regional payment institutions. Familiarity with card networks, APMs, mobile money, e-wallets, and regional payment rails specific to MENA and Africa. Knowledge of local regulatory environments and licensing requirements across target markets. Nice to Have: Existing network of PSPs and payment providers across MENA or Africa. Arabic or French language skills (written and spoken). Experience with payment orchestration platforms. Exposure to cross-border payment flows between Africa and the broader MENA region.

Market Expansion & Solution Sourcing: Identify and secure payment solutions across MENA and African markets aligned with merchant and business requirements. Expand regional payment coverage in line with Finera's strategic roadmap and priority verticals. Map local payment landscapes to identify coverage gaps, emerging rails, and commercial opportunities. Monitor regulatory and licensing developments across target markets that may affect provider availability. Provider Evaluation & Selection: Lead commercial negotiations with PSPs, local acquirers, payment institutions, and mobile money operators across the region. Evaluate providers across fee structures, GEO coverage, settlement terms, and performance benchmarks. Structure deals aligned with Finera's business model and margin expectations. Maintain and evolve a competitive provider matrix specific to MENA and Africa. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product, Legal, Compliance, Sales, and Account Management teams. Support integration and go-live processes for newly onboarded regional providers. Act as the internal subject matter expert on MENA and African payment solutions and provider capabilities. Represent Finera at regional industry events, conferences, and provider meetings.