VisionFund International (VFI) is the microfinance arm of World Vision, committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty through financial products and services. Our mission is to support vulnerable communities by providing access to loans, savings, and insurance, empowering families to develop sustainable livelihoods. Operating in 28 countries, we strive to create economic opportunities for communities, ensuring children have a brighter future.
Learn more about us: visionfund.org
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Project Manager (SPM) to join our Business Optimization Unit (BOU). The SPM will be responsible for ensuring project management support, strategy alignment with VFI standards, and overseeing BOU project management programs. The role ensures that solutions are fit-for-purpose and enables Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and Business Lines (BLs) to realize their strategy in alignment with VisionFund’s overarching mission.
This role collaborates closely with the Global Manager of the PMO (GPMO) and MFIs/BLs to implement effective project management principles and standards that enhance our impact on clients.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Planning & Execution
- Develops comprehensive project plans that define resources, budgetary needs, and timelines.
- Designs and manages detailed Institutional Strengthening Plans (ISP) and project rollout plans.
- Identifies dependencies and risks before the project launch.
- Ensures all projects are effectively managed and executed.
- Develops and updates work breakdown structures and project schedules.
- Assists MFIs/BLs with project implementation, issue resolution, and capacity building.
2. Risk Management
- Identifies and prioritizes project risks and assesses their potential impact.
- Develops and maintains risk mitigation strategies and plans.
- Creates action plans to address risks as they arise.
- Maintains an issue list and proactively escalates risks to project and departmental leadership.
- Provides recommendations and solutions to project-related challenges.
3. Relationship Management & Stakeholder Support
- Ensures MFIs have adequate internal project management support.
- Resolves project conflicts and negotiates solutions.
- Maintains clear communication with all stakeholders on scope, milestones, risks, status, and governance structure.
- Conducts regular updates and meetings with project teams and leadership.
4. Change Management
- Clearly communicates project-related changes, their rationale, and expected outcomes.
- Provides guidance on change management strategy at the field/local level.
- Removes obstacles to ensure a smooth transition during project implementation.
- Offers coaching and support to local teams during change processes.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Tracks project progress, identifying issues and bottlenecks.
- Ensures timely updates to stakeholders.
- Evaluates project impact and effectiveness through structured monitoring frameworks.
- Oversees post-implementation reviews and facilitates improvement recommendations.
6. Capacity Building
- Trains and mentors project managers at MFIs, Business Lines, and within VisionFund.
- Ensures adherence to PMO-defined project management standards and tools.
- Identifies and addresses knowledge gaps through targeted training and skills development.
- Provides feedback, technical advice, and coaching throughout project lifecycles.
Required Experience & Skills
- 5+ years of MicroFinance experience, preferably in an operational or business management role.
- 5+ years of project management experience using recognized PM methodologies.
- Experience leading or participating in microfinance/banking system implementations.
- Strong ability to write reports, including business cases, risk management plans, and project close-out reports.
- Solid understanding of microfinance or retail banking operations (credit, finance, risk, or systems perspective).
- Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies such as PMP, AGILE, PRINCE2, LEAN/SIX SIGMA.
- Strong leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Ability to work across different cultures and in a virtual environment.
- Service-oriented with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and transfer knowledge effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Operational experience in MicroFinance.
- Experience in financial services projects, including people, processes, and platforms.
- Knowledge of digital finance and innovation projects (e.g., credit, savings, data, accounting).
How to Apply
If you are passionate about driving financial inclusion and making a meaningful impact in communities worldwide, apply now to join VisionFund International as a Senior Project Manager.
