Security & APM Lead for Africa at Unlimit

About The Job

• We are seeking a Security & APM Lead for Africa to oversee both our regional information security strategy and manage our Alternative Payment Methods (APM) initiatives. In this combined role, you will champion regulatory compliance across Nigeria, drive security best practices in key African markets, and push the conversation forward with various payment providers to expand and optimize Unlimit’s alternative payment offerings.
• You will serve as Unlimit’s primary security representative in Nigeria—interacting with local authorities like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and guiding merchants on compliance requirements. Simultaneously, you will work with cross-functional teams to identify, integrate, and maintain a diverse range of alternative payment methods, ensuring Unlimit remains at the forefront of fintech innovation.
• The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in privacy, data protection, and the regulatory environment of fintech, payments, or financial services, along with a strong track record of building relationships with payment partners to deliver robust, scalable payment solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the principal security point of contact for Nigeria, coordinating with global Infosec and compliance teams to ensure local strategies align with corporate security objectives
• Build and maintain relationships with regulatory bodies (e.g., CBN, Nigeria Financial Authority), staying updated on evolving requirements and ensuring timely compliance
• Advise local management and merchants on security best practices and regulatory obligations, fostering an environment of continuous compliance
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes, assessing their operational impact and recommending appropriate actions
• Coordinate local risk management activities, including identifying and mitigating third-party and cross-border transaction risks
• Oversee local audits, ensuring accurate documentation and swift resolution of any security or compliance issues
• Support global security initiatives (PCI DSS, ISO/IEC 27001, NIST) and tailor these frameworks to meet local regulatory needs
• Participate in incident response for local security events, ensuring rapid containment and minimizing impact
• Promote a security-first culture by delivering targeted training and awareness programs for local teams

Alternative Payment Methods (APM):

• Drive the strategy and expansion of alternative payment methods across African markets, ensuring alignment with local regulations and market demands
• Engage with various payment providers, negotiating partnerships and integrations that enhance Unlimit’s payment portfolio
• Continually evaluate emerging payment trends and technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation and improved customer experiences
• Manage relationships with APM partners, pushing discussions forward and resolving any operational or technical hurdles that arise
• Track and analyze the performance of different APM channels, reporting on KPIs such as transaction volumes, success rates, and user adoption
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (IT, product, operations, etc.) to ensure smooth implementation, optimization, and maintenance of new and existing payment methods

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in information security, regulatory compliance, or closely related roles within fintech, payments, or financial services
• Strong familiarity with Nigeria’s IT regulations, data protection laws, and compliance ecosystem
• Proven experience engaging with regulatory bodies such as the CBN and the Nigeria Financial Authority
• Thorough understanding of frameworks like PCI DSS, ISO/IEC 27001, SOC, SOX, COBIT, and NIST
• At least one professional certification (CISSP, CISA, CISM, or CRISC) is mandatory
• Excellent communication skills to interface effectively with local stakeholders and global teams
• Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple priorities and offer strategic insights that balance regional requirements with corporate goals
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; proficiency in additional local languages is a plus

APM Expertise

• Proven track record managing alternative payment methods—ideally in high-volume, high-transaction fintech or e-commerce settings
• Skilled at building and nurturing relationships with diverse payment providers, from negotiation to integration and ongoing collaboration
• Ability to stay current with market trends in alternative payments, identifying new offerings that fit local demands
• Strong analytical mindset for monitoring payment performance, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement
• Effective in pushing discussions and initiatives forward, coordinating across teams to ensure timely delivery of new payment solutions

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Experience implementing or advising on RegTech solutions and cloud-based security compliance
• Deep expertise in third-party risk management within highly regulated sectors
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional coordination involving compliance, risk, legal, and operations
• In-depth knowledge of payment systems infrastructure, specifically around cross-border transactions and related security requirements

We offer:

• Fintech Environment: Thrive in a dynamic, rapidly evolving industry where your creativity can flourish and drive real impact
• Flexibility: Enjoy flexible schedules, focusing on performance and outcomes rather than strict office hours
• Referral Bonus Program: Recommend top talent for our roles and earn rewards when they join the team
• Learning & Development: Access a dedicated budget for professional growth, including language classes and specialized training
• Social Budget: Receive a monthly budget to spend with your team, strengthening connections and fostering a collaborative culture