Chief Executive Officer, VisionFund Rwanda

About the role

VisionFund Rwanda is a Christian-owned, mission-driven microfinance network serving low-income families in rural and hard-to-reach communities. The CEO provides strategic, financial, operational and transformational leadership, turning VisionFund Rwanda into a high-performing, commercially driven, customer-centric, deposit-taking microfinance institution. The role is accountable for portfolio growth, deposit mobilization, profitability and operational excellence, and works closely with the Board, regulators, VisionFund International and World Vision Rwanda. Local candidates eligible to work in Rwanda are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of VisionFund Rwanda into a deposit-taking MFI while keeping its Christian mission and development impact, embedding accountability, performance, customer-centrism and commercial discipline.
• Build a strong deposit franchise, increase low-cost customer deposits, diversify funding sources and reduce the cost of capital.
• Achieve and sustain break-even and profitability through disciplined portfolio growth and sound financial management, with healthy capital, liquidity and portfolio quality.
• Ensure corporate governance, regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management and internal controls, and build strong relationships with the Board, regulators, donors and investors.
• Drive loan portfolio growth, staff productivity, customer experience and operational efficiency, using digital transformation and innovation.
• Lead and coach the team, nurture the spiritual and professional development of direct reports, and build a high-performing IT team.
• Strengthen collaboration with World Vision Rwanda and ensure talent acquisition, retention, succession planning and performance management.
• Develop policies and internal regulations consistent with Board, VFI and regulator-approved policies.

Required profile

• Masters' degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Banking, Accounting, Development Finance or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Banking, Business Administration or Economics; professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CFA, CIMA or Chartered Banker are an added advantage.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in banking, microfinance or regulated financial services, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
• Proven track record of organizational transformation, and demonstrated success in portfolio growth, profitability and deposit mobilization.

Required skills

• Understanding of microfinance, banking, deposit-taking institutions, financial inclusion and financial services regulation.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.