Emerging Markets Lead – MENA (Arabic speaking)

About the role

Column is seeking an Emerging Markets Lead for the MENA region who will drive 0‑to‑1 growth of a new banking product. The role is based in Dubai and involves building and nurturing relationships with banks, fintechs and other stakeholders across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Lead regional market development by identifying, evaluating and executing high‑value partnerships with banks in multiple MENA markets.
• Build and maintain key relationships through in‑person meetings, industry events and ongoing partnership development.
• Own partnership execution, managing complex deal processes from outreach to contract signature in collaboration with legal, compliance and product teams.
• Develop market intelligence on regulatory changes, competitive landscape and customer needs to shape regional strategy.
• Become an expert in correspondent banking within emerging markets and expand a network of banking and fintech ecosystem contacts.
• Drive operational excellence by creating scalable onboarding and relationship‑management processes for future expansion.

Required profile

• 6+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, growth, operations or strategy in a high‑caliber environment.
• 4+ years of business experience specifically in the MENA region.
• Native fluency in Arabic and proven ability to manage relationships with Arabic‑speaking clients and stakeholders.
• Track record of managing complex, high‑value partnerships and deals with senior executives.
• Strong strategic thinking, market assessment skills and ability to provide recommendations to senior leadership.
• Highly organized project management style, comfortable juggling multiple projects and coordinating across teams.
• Scrappy, hands‑on attitude with a willingness to roll up sleeves and build the business.