Context of Position: World Vision (WV) operates a number of different ministries to empower the poor in nearly 100 countries worldwide, and VisionFund International (VFI) is a subsidiary of WV responsible for running the network of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Microfinance is one of the ministries supporting economic development. It gives the ability to families who would otherwise not have access to financial services, loans to start businesses which in turn generate income to provide for their children’s education and family well being. Micro finance lending to the entrepreneurial poor is performed through over 30 Microfinance Institutions (MFI’s) globally and the VF network has outstanding loans of nearly $500m to over 1,000,000 clients impacting around 4 million children annually. At the heart of VFI’s work is ensuring that children are impacted positively and sustainably through microfinance. PURPOSE OF POSITION: VisionFund is seeking a Regional Operations Director (“ROD”) to support and manage the execution of VisionFund’s strategy in the region. The Regional Head is responsible for ensuring the delivery of the ‘double bottom line’ of financial and social performance / impact in the region and delegates certain aspects to the Regional Operations Director who is more directly involved in supporting individual MFIs with achieving their financial and social impact targets. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Building Capacity in the MFI:

• Supervise MFI CEOs under the Regional Operations Directors remit and manage performance expectations in support to local MFI and global VFI priorities, ensuring balanced achievement of MFI double bottom lines of social and financial performance.
• Lead the delivery of business plans of individual MFIs. This includes monitoring, analysis, problem identification and recommendations that will ensure improved quality of delivery of financial services, improved control environment and increased alignment of strategy.
• Lead the regional roll out of regional initiatives including how central services and regional banking software can be deployed to improve service to the MFI’s and their clients and to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
• Provide timely, and responsive but prioritized consulting services for MFI issues and concerns, based upon an agreed terms of reference.
• Provide clear and thorough analysis and subsequent recommendations for both the MFI management and VFI regional teams.
• Work with the WV regional teams to ensure integration and alignment of VFI, MFI and WVNO strategies at the regional and national levels.
• Ensure effective communication with the Regional Head and with relevent CEO’s when undertaking technical reviews and assessments.
• Ensure that effective controls and the focus on the “double bottom line” are always assessed (even when not part of a particular terms of reference) and that issues are immediately raised.

Governance and Management:

• As Regional Operations Director will require to take on a board role within an MFI.
• The person is expected in their duties as a board member of an MFI to reflect the best interests of VFI and to make, where needed, decisions that support such a position.
• Responsible for ensuring MFIs have well-operating boards and are in compliance with local laws, regulatory requirements and WV/VFI policies, procedures and directives.

Acting in a Management capacity within an MFI during staffing gaps:

• If gaps are identified in the CEO, COO or CFO position that are likely to significantly impact the performance of the MFI and in particular put the MFI at risk then the Regional Operations Director will be required under the direction of the Regional Head to take on a management role in the MFI.
• This can be up to 3 or 6 months while a suitable replacement is being recruited. During this period the ROD will take on the roles of the required position and will continue to report to the Regional Head, but may have an added reporting line into the MFI depending on the position.

Personal and Staff Development:

• As a Christian VisionFund leader, facilitate the spiritual and professional development of MFI CEOs and direct reports.
• 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 plans.
• Attend weekly virtual operations meetings and other meetings as required by the regional director.
• Participation in chapel and devotions

In some cases, the ROD may have responsibility for Security as Focal Point for the region. ROD will carry out additional responsibilities and projects as assigned, including administrative and planning functions both within and outside the region. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business or Economics, or equivalent level of knowledge gained through work experience.
• Understanding of balance sheet risk management including interest rate risk, liquidity risk and foreign exchange risk as well as bank funding processes and contracting.
• Solid understanding of financial reporting and performance measurements and planning/forecasting.
• 10+ of experience in leadership roles in Microfinance/Financial Inclusion. At least 5 of which as CEO or General Manager of an MFI.
• Thorough knowledge and extensive experience or exposure working directly with governance entities /Board of Directors and compliance.
• Proven record of process optimization and strengthening for operational effectiveness in MFIs.
• Cross-cultural working experience in at least two countries in the region.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is essential.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• MBA or similar Masters degree.
• Project Management.
• Credit Risk Management.
• Project Management experience.
• Board member experience is preferred.
• Marketing and Financial Services development experience.
• Training experience desirable.

Work Environment/Travel:

• The position requires ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 60% of the time. Most travel will be within the specific region, with periods of up to six months in a leadership role in an MFI. Occasional travel to other regions / global conferences or meetings