VisionFund International (VFI) is World Vision’s microfinance provider, dedicated to serving vulnerable clients through financial products and services. Operating in 28 countries, VisionFund supports families in remote, rural areas by providing loans, savings, and insurance solutions to empower caregivers to create sustainable livelihoods. Through our mission, we aim to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and build thriving communities where children can achieve their full potential.
As part of our ongoing commitment to governance, risk management, and operational excellence, we are seeking a Regional Audit Director (RAD) for Africa to lead our internal audit function in the region. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional who is passionate about driving financial inclusion and fostering economic growth across Africa.
Location: Applications are welcome from any country in Africa where World Vision International (WVI) is registered to operate.
Application Language: All applications must be submitted in English.
Application Deadline: February 17, 2025 (6 days left to apply).
Time Type: Full-time.
Role Overview
The Regional Audit Director (RAD) for Africa plays a strategic leadership role in ensuring the effective governance, risk management, and internal controls of VisionFund’s microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the region. This role requires a senior-level professional with extensive experience in audit and risk management, who can engage with executive stakeholders, regional leaders, and audit committees to provide strategic insights and guidance.
The RAD reports directly to the Global Director for Internal Audit and has a dotted reporting line to the Regional Director. The RAD will oversee internal audit operations across 11 MFIs in Africa, ensuring alignment with VFI’s internal audit standards and best practices.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement (35%)
- Engage proactively with executives, regional/MFI leadership, and boards to provide strategic guidance on risk management, governance, and internal controls.
- Present quarterly audit reports, trend analysis, and insights to regional leadership and audit risk committees.
- Serve as an advisor on governance and risk matters to local and regional audit committees.
- Oversee the development of annual internal audit plans and budgets in coordination with local stakeholders.
- Lead and mentor a team of Internal Audit Managers (IAMs) and Regional Audit Managers (RAMs), ensuring continuous professional development.
2. Team Leadership & Performance Management (15%)
- Establish and enhance a robust performance framework for the internal audit teams across Africa.
- Ensure that audit functions in all MFIs align with global best practices and VFI’s internal audit standards.
- Promote a high-performance culture, fostering a strong understanding of strategic risks across the internal audit teams.
- Drive training, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities for the internal audit team members.
3. Audit Assurance & Advisory Services (15%)
- Oversee and ensure that internal audit engagements align with Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and VFI’s internal audit charter.
- Assess and communicate audit results, including strategic recommendations to mitigate risks.
- Drive improvements in governance policies, risk management frameworks, and control environments across all MFIs.
- Ensure a high standard of ethical and professional conduct within the audit teams.
4. Driving Innovation & Continuous Improvement (15%)
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the audit function.
- Partner with VFI leadership to provide governance, risk management, and control input on organizational change initiatives.
- Implement new audit methodologies, including continuous audit analytics, to enhance audit efficiency.
- Strengthen collaboration between internal audit teams and other assurance providers within VisionFund.
5. Global Centre & Special Audit Engagements (20%)
- Lead and manage global centre audits, thematic audits, and advisory reviews within the Africa region.
- Oversee fraud investigations and unethical conduct reviews in collaboration with the VFI Investigations Unit.
- Conduct special audit reviews as needed to support organizational risk management efforts.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
Required Professional Experience
- Minimum 10 years of internal audit experience, preferably in a Big 4 firm or multinational organization.
- At least 5 years at a senior manager or director level in an audit/risk management role.
- Proven experience in risk-based internal auditing and governance advisory services.
- Strong track record in stakeholder engagement at executive leadership, audit committees, and board levels.
- Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams across multiple geographies.
- Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio).
Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications
- Cross-cultural experience within INGOs, Microfinance, or Financial Services.
- Experience with audit software, embedded audit tools, and strategy implementation.
- Knowledge of IT audit, fraud investigation (CFE certification is a plus), and financial analytics.
- Fluency in French or Spanish is an added advantage.
Travel, Work & Language Requirements
- Ability to work remotely or in a hybrid home/office setup.
- Willingness to travel up to 40% within Africa and globally.
- High standard of written and spoken English is required.
Why Join VisionFund International?
At VisionFund, we believe in empowering communities and individuals through financial inclusion. Our work directly impacts lives by enabling families to build sustainable livelihoods and secure brighter futures for their children. As the Regional Audit Director, Africa, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring financial integrity, governance, and risk management across our African MFIs.
If you are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, thrive in leadership roles, and have the expertise to drive strategic risk management, this role is for you!
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, click the Apply Now button below. Ensure your application is submitted in English before the deadline February 17, 2025.
Apply Now
For more information about VisionFund International, visit visionfund.org.
