Regional Finance Director, Africa 3, VisionFund International

About World Vision International (VisionFund International)

World Vision International is a global Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by Christian values, it serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. VisionFund International is the microfinance subsidiary of World Vision, serving vulnerable clients through loans, savings, and insurance. VisionFund operates in hard-to-reach rural locations across 25 countries, facilitating sustainable economic growth to break the poverty cycle and enhance children’s future opportunities. VisionFund’s strategy is to positively impact the lives of 30 million children by providing financial services that foster economic stability and growth. Learn more about VisionFund at visionfund.org.

About this Role

The Regional Finance Director (RFD) for Africa 3 within VisionFund International (VFI) is a critical leadership position responsible for the financial oversight, internal controls, funding requirements, and financial performance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in the designated region. Reporting to the Network Finance Director in the Global Centre (GC) Finance Department of VFI, and with a matrix reporting relationship to the (Senior) Operations Director, the RFD will also serve as a Board Member for each regional MFI and act as a matrix manager for MFI CFOs. The RFD will ensure robust financial performance monitoring, effective communication of financial risks, implementation of best financial practices, and crisis management to minimize losses. Additionally, the RFD will play a strategic role in providing financial analysis, supporting the development of business cases, and facilitating finance team capabilities and competencies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as MFI Board member and attend the Board Audit and Risk Committee.
• Encourage MFI integration with WV and MFI CFO and WV NO FD engagement.
• Monitor MFI financial performance monthly, discuss results with MFI CFOs and (Senior) Operations Director, provide narrative comments and rolling forecast for VFI reporting.
• Ensure a robust internal control framework is established and effective in each MFI.
• Oversee finance systems implementation and upgrades.
• Review activities during in-person visits to MFIs, including general ledger reconciliation and bank account verification.
• Oversee liquidity and funding needs of MFIs, ensuring timely communication with funding providers.
• Assist MFI CFOs with business case preparation for requesting debt or equity from VFI.
• Model Christian leadership and VFI Core Values in all interactions.
• Inspire and nurture the spiritual and professional development of MFI CFOs and MFI finance team members.
• Participate in setting annual MFI CFO performance plans and review performance.
• Perform financial and strategic reviews of region MFIs, including building financial models.
• Provide financial analysis and/or data to (Senior) Operations Director and VFI GC Finance.
• Manage the performance of MFI CFOs jointly with MFI CEOs.

Requirements

• Degree in finance or accounting or equivalent level of knowledge demonstrated through relevant experience.
• Deep accounting, financial reporting, financial forecasting, and financial performance and analysis knowledge.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the microfinance and/or banking sectors.
• Thorough knowledge of balance sheet risk management, including interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and foreign exchange risk.
• Ability to analyze problems or options and recommend solutions.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity to engage with MFI staff and stakeholders across VFI global departments.
• Flexibility with working hours to contact people within wide time zones.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and influencing skills in written and oral forms.
• Ability to manage staff virtually.
• English fluency required for non-English speaking countries.
• Travel up to 25% of the time.

Benefits

• Competitive “Total Rewards” package tailored to the context.
• Integration into a diverse and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Opportunities for professional and spiritual growth.
• Contribution to meaningful work impacting global poverty and child welfare.