Technical Card Scheme Mandate Specialist

Technical Card Scheme Mandate Specialist - Payments

Business Unit/Function: Added Value Payment Solutions

Reports to: Project Director - Payments

Job type: Permanent

Workload: 100%

Nature and aim of the position

We seek a technically adept Card Scheme Mandates Specialist to translate complex card network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) rules into actionable technical requirements. You’ll bridge the gap between regulatory mandates and engineering implementation, ensuring our payment systems comply with scheme technical specifications, security standards, and operational updates.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Mandate Interpretation & Analysis
- Decode technical specifications, API documentation, security bulletins (PCI DSS, 3DS), and network operating regulations (e.g., Visa VDMP, Mastercard MIP).
- Perform technical impact assessments on payment gateways, processing platforms, APIs, databases, and reporting systems.
- Maintain a registry of technical dependencies, endpoints, and systems affected by mandates.

Technical Requirement Translation
- Convert mandates into clear technical user stories, Jira tickets, and solution design documents for engineering teams
- Define data mapping requirements (e.g., new BIN ranges, tokenization formats, API field changes)
- Collaborate on system architecture adjustments (e.g., fraud engine updates, clearing file modifications).

Implementation Coordination & Testing
- Partner with Product, Software Engineering, QA, to execute technical changes.
- Develop test cases for mandate compliance (e.g., simulating scheme certification scenarios).
- Support UAT, scheme certifications, and production validation.
- Troubleshoot technical failures in mandate implementation.

Technical Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
- Create technical runbooks, integration guides, and architecture diagrams for mandates.
- Maintain a repository of scheme technical docs (EMVCo specs, API standards, cryptographic requirements).
- Train engineering teams on scheme-specific protocols and updates.

Cross-Functional Technical Liaison
- Advise Product/Engineering on mandate implications for new features (e.g., tokenization, real-time payments).
- Coordinate with **Infrastructure/Security teams** on PCI DSS, P2PE, or encryption requirements tied to mandates.
- Support technical audits and evidence collection for scheme compliance.

Tooling & Automation
- Identify opportunities to automate mandate tracking/implementation (e.g., via CI/CD pipelines).
- Utilize API testing tools (Postman, SoapUI) to validate scheme integrations.

Required Skills and competencies
- 7+ years in payment technology: gateway development, acquiring/issuing processing, or fintech
- Hands-on experience with **card scheme technical integrations** (Visa Direct, MC Send, tokenization APIs).
- Proven track record implementing technical mandates (e.g., 3DS2, SCA, fraud/chargeback rules).
- Certifications: PCI Professional (PCIP), CISSP, or card network technical credentials (e.g., Visa Certified Technical Expert).
- Background in software development, DevOps, or SRE within payments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural, multinational environment and mobilize cross-functional high-performance teams
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities under pressure
- Fluent in English

Technical Knowledge:

- Deep understanding of payment protocols (ISO 8583, APIs) and scheme frameworks (Visa VTS, Mastercard MDES).
- Familiarity with PCI DSS, P2PE, EMVCo, and encryption standards
- Knowledge of payment flows: authorization, clearing, settlement, disputes.

Education and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.