Regional Operations Director, VisionFund International

VisionFund's work seeks to end intergenerational poverty through financial products and services. We're about the long-term change that ensures children can break free of the poverty cycle, for good.

By supporting people and communities living in poverty to develop and grow their livelihoods, VisionFund is catalysing sustainable economic growth to break the cycle of poverty, so that children can reach their potential as communities thrive.

Learn more about us:

Location : Applications are welcome from any country in Africa with WVI registration.

Language : This will be a bilingual role- English and French. Application questionnaire should be completed in English but we encourage candidates to attach two resumes in English AND French.

Application Deadline: 30th April 2024

Overview

VisionFund is World Vision’s microfinance provider serving vulnerable clients through loans, savings, and insurance. We enable families to grow their livelihoods in hard to reach, rural locations in 28 countries so that caregivers can create secure futures for their children. We believe in brighter futures for children; empowering families to create incomes and jobs; unlocking economic potential for communities to thrive. Join VisionFund as we seek to end intergenerational poverty through microfinance.

The Regional Operations Director (ROD) is responsible for ensuring the delivery of the strategic and business plan performance of MFIs under their supervision. ROD will ensure priority MFIs are equipped for scale and s/he will ensure that all growth initiatives are well managed and that the foundations for such growth are in place. Therefore, building capacity of staff and ensuring effective controls and processes are in place is a key aspect of the role. Monthly reviews will be conducted to measure progress and decide upon adjustments and redirection of resources, particularly funding.

As part of the role, the Regional Operations Director will be supporting the Business Lines (i.e. FAST, Insurance, Partnerships) with their business plans in the assigned countries and act as the primary point of contact with WV at a sub-regional level. Where appropriate, this includes taking part in WV senior leadership meetings for the cluster of countries assigned.

The position ensures that VFI and WVI global strategies are being implemented at each MFI. The ROD will supervise 3-5 MFIs as MFI Board member and have direct line -management of the MFI CEOs with Board Chair. 

Major Responsibilities

• Supervise jointly with the MFI board the MFI CEOs.
• Sit on MFI boards to represent VFI and to ensure effective two-way communication and ensure each is well-operating boards and in compliance with local laws, regulatory requirements and WV/VFI policies, procedures and directives.
• Provide leadership that ensures impact on children remains the overall result of our work by driving common mindset to all MFI staff and evidenced through Impact reports.
• Provide oversight on the development and delivery of the strategic and business plans inclusive of digital, technology and product areas (lending, savings, FAST, insurance and training/education).
• Monitor performance across the MFI, analyse, problem identification and provide recommendations that will ensure improved quality of delivery of financial services, improved control environment and increased alignment of strategy.
• Ensure quality of portfolio and provide direction, advise and guidance to ensure that this is maintained.
• Work with the management of each MFI to ensure risk management framework, compliance culture, and compliance reporting (regulatory, lender and VFI) are operating well inclusive of GC safeguarding, security, risk and audit efforts.
• Act in a Management capacity within an MFI during senior management where gaps will significantly impact the performance of the MFI or place MFI at risk. 
• Ensure that each MFI has access to adequate, timely and appropriate support from GC various departments.
• Provide direction, management and/or advise on startups, closedowns or crisis management of MFIs.

• Work with VFI Finance, Fundraising and Capital Markets to secure equity and debt funding for MFIs, particularly for high priority MFIs.
• Work with the Support Centre Director to obtain resources and technical assistance for MFIs according to a programme of work.

• Strengthen the understanding in WV within each MFI of the benefits of microfinance in contributing to Economic Development, livelihoods and Child Well-Being Outcomes (CWBO).
• Development of best practices in integration, monitoring performance against indicators.
• Building collaborative relationships at all levels to participate in ENOUGH, THRIVE, and other programs as well as grants, response plans and other priority projects across each MFI.
• Support the Business Lines with the delivery of the business plans in the assigned countries.

• Inspire and nurture the spiritual and professional development of direct reports.
• Instill and encourage a strong servant and service culture in leaders and their teams; role modelling Christian Leadership and Core Values. 
• Develop clear individual goals, manageable and measurable targets and ongoing feedback and support to achieve them. 
• Provide timely and regular staff performance coaching & feedback as well as an annual review of performance and individual development plan.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

A minimum of a university degreein in Finance, Business, Economics, ICT, Engineering or equivalent level of knowledge demonstrated through relevant experience Significant leadership experience (minimum of 15 years) largely in a microfinance, banking, and/or finance environment, including a proven track record of managing people in a global, matrix-managed organisation (including mentoring, directing, building capacity) Fluent in both French and English Language 10+ years’ experience managing people at a senior level Experience delivering digital transformation (especially core banking systems and digital solutions) Experience working in a multinational and multicultural environment with proven cross-cultural effectiveness Proven ability for spotting improvement opportunities and making those happen in a complex and dynamic environment Previous experience of at least 2 years in a role similar to the CEO, COO or CFO in a microfinance, banking and/or financial institution At least 1-year experience participating as member of a Board of Directors or as an active member of a committee Good written and verbal communication skills and strong at influencing Able to lead and manage a virtual team Ability to analyze, recommend solutions, mentor and guide people Proven organisational skills and able to manage change programmes Must be able to simultaneously manage multiple priorities, projects and stakeholders Project management experience working to recognized PM methodologies is preferred Consultancy experience (internal or external) is desirable Solid strategic leadership skills preferably gained in financial services; microfinance experience an advantage Master's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, ICT, Engineering or related

Travel, Language and Work Environment Requirement

MUST have high proficiency in both English and French Ability to travel up to 25% of the time Fitness required to travel by plane and visit remote field offices.