Group Head, Payarena Vas & Verification at Unified Payment Services Limited

Job Objectives

• The Group Head, Payarena VAS and Verification, will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Verification and Value-Added Services business unit.
• The role is responsible for driving innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, expanding product offerings, and achieving revenue growth through customer-centric solutions.
• The Group Head will collaborate across functions, manage key stakeholders, and lead the team to deliver superior verification and VAS products that strengthen Payarena’s competitive position in the fintech ecosystem.

Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Growth:

• Define and execute the business strategy for the VAS and Verification group.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and new opportunities for product development.
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share expansion.
• Develop annual business plans, budgets, and performance goals.

Product Development & Innovation:

• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of verification and VAS products.
• Champion continuous innovation and integration of emerging technologies.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with industry best practices.

Operational Management:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Verification and VAS group.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (e.g., CBN, NCC, NIBSS, NDPC).
• Develop and monitor KPIs to track operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Build partnerships with service providers, telcos, and third-party vendors.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as the primary liaison between the business group and key internal/external stakeholders.
• Represent Payarena in industry forums, partnerships, and regulatory engagements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and regulators.

People & Performance Management:

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the Verification and VAS team.
• Build a high-performing culture that emphasizes accountability and innovation
• Provide training, coaching, and career development opportunities.

Key Performance Indicator

• As agreed from time to time based on business exigencies.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree/MBA is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 14 years’ experience in fintech, digital payments, telecoms, or financial services, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Post NYSC experience.

Staff Attraction, Motivation and Retention:

• Fill vacant roles within the department in a timely manner and provide
• opportunities for growth and development.
• Provide training, mentorship, and up-skilling programs.
• Recognize and reward individual and team achievements and contribution.
• Encourage open communication and feedback.
• Give employees autonomy and ownership of their work to motivate them.
• Foster a positive work culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and
• creativity.
• Regularly engage direct reports to understand their needs and concerns.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that values different perspectives
• and backgrounds.

Key Competencies:
Knowledge/Experience:

• Strong knowledge of verification services (KYC, identity, background checks) and VAS (airtime, bills, digital services).
• Proven track record of driving business growth and managing P&L responsibilities.
• Strong regulatory knowledge and compliance management experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical, strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and digital transformation.

Skill/Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Confident negotiator and ability to close the right type of business deals at the highest level.