DIVISION: VisionFund International
DEPARTMENT: Audit
REPORTS TO: Audit Director, VisionFund International

Purpose of the position:
World Vision (WV) is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. One important component of World Vision’s work is microfinance, providing financial services such as credit, savings and insurance to the poor, enabling them to earn increased income, build assets and provide for their families. Numerous studies confirm the strong impact of microfinance on the well-being of children. Studies also show, however, that the integration of microfinance with other development activities can have an even greater impact when compared to either microfinance alone or development activities alone. WV’s microfinance operations are managed through VisionFund International (VFI) and its 6,000 staff, a WV subsidiary. VFI manages a network of 36 microfinance institutions (MFIs) globally and has outstanding loans of approximately $450 million to some 800,000 clients and annual network revenues of over $138 million. The MFIs were created to provide financial services in the areas where WV works.
This position will be responsible for auditing Microfinance Institutions for the Global Centre (GC) team at VisionFund International. This role will lead investigation reviews into fraud and whistle blowing complaints within VisionFund International. This role will provide secondary supervisory support in the absence or on behalf of the VisionFund International Audit Director and the Regional Audit Manager of Middle Eastern Europe (MEER).

Major Responsibilities:
1. Strategic: Moving all Micro Finance Institution’s towards ‘satisfactory’ audit outcomes through completion of audit programmes and implemented recommendations as agree with VFI management.
  • Maintain communication with senior management to co-ordinate strategic initiatives.
  • Develop and manage appropriate global audit programmes based on the VFI operating model and standards and the underlying risks
  • Lending/portfolio reviews, operational controls, banking systems security, financial reporting, fraud prevention, etc
  • Local regulatory requirements are incorporated in all audit work and reporting
  • Working collaboratively with VFI, identify all potential risks in the MFIs, taking into account operational and other changes being implemented in the MFI network
  • Develop audit programmes for VFI Global Centre
  • Oversee effectiveness of MFI audit programmes and keep both VFI Audit Director and COO apprised of trends and issues
  • Provide support to the VFI Audit Director by performing additional Directorial duties when required
  • Ensure appropriate implementation/resolution of audit recommendations
  • Participate in professional audit associations and keep abreast of relevant industry standards
2. Operational: Contributing to the efficiency, effectiveness and control of VFI operations.
  • Lead and manage Global Center audits to the MFI’s
  • Advise VFI management concerning risks, internal controls, fraud prevention and detection, and the efficient and effective use of resources
  • Conduct Investigation reviews into allegations of fraud. Conduct investigation of issues raised through the Whistle Blowing channel
  • Work with WVI Group Internal Audit (GIA) to enhance audit methodologies and frameworks appropriate to microfinance
  • Work with VFI Operations to input to the development of global standardized operations processes and procedures to embed best-practice internal controls
  • With WV GIA, develop and maintain policies and procedures to improve the VFI specialist microfinance audit function
  • Provide regular timely verbal and written reports to VFI senior management to keep them informed of audit results and recommendations
  • Responsible for periodic analysis of patterns and trends in audit results
  • Perform critical and complex audits. Conduct special reviews as required by senior executives
  • Perform activities as agreed with the VFI Audit Director of the Regional Audit Manager for MEER until resource is hired or portfolio has been divested
  • Assist VFI Audit Director and VFI COO with preparation for Board Audit Committee meetings
Qualifications: Knowledge and Technical Skills:
  • The following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training.
  • University degree and at least seven years’ experience of internal audit in a financial environment (e.g. bank or microfinance). Experience with a “Big 4” public accounting firm preferred.
  • Must have Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification.
  • Requires cross cultural experience and an understanding of Third World Development. Must be able to interact respectfully and effectively with persons from a variety of cultures.
  • Excellent speaking and writing skills required.
  • Must have managerial courage and must be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and across all functions.
  • Willing and able to travel up to 75% of the time.
  • The ability to organize and manage multiple tasks at different levels of priority is important.
  • Possess a high energy level with a commitment to continuous improvement in a dynamic organizational environment.
  • Have good computer skills in using audit-related software efficiently; experience of controls in banking software desirable
For further details visit vflink.it/econojobs where applications can be made and CVs uploaded. Visit VisionFund.org for more information about VisionFund International.