BOARD MEMBER FOR WORLD VISION VIETNAM MICRO FINANCE PROGRAM

Background

Established in 2006, Micro Finance (MF) is a separate Program of World Vision Vietnam (WVV) specializing in providing sufficient micro finance services for the poor, near poor and low-income households within and around WVV target areas.
MF program's mission is to foster improvement in the quality of life among the clients in Vietnam by assisting the economically active poor and graduating the moderate and poorest of the poor entrepreneurial skills. This will be accomplished through a sustainable MF program that provides access to loans, insurance and savings within WVV's project areas. All aspects of the services that MF program delivers are built to lead the development of appropriate models, capacities and systems for Micro enterprise development in Vietnam, resulting in sustainable economic development as part of WVI transformational development ministry throughout communities.
Currently the MF board is constituted of 7 members who have diverse experience, qualifications and backgrounds. All board members are representatives from WVV Senior Leadership Team and Vision Fund International. We are now seeking external Board members who understand about the sector in Vietnam context to make valuable contribution towards the development of the Program.

Purpose of Position

The incumbent will serve on voluntary basis as an external Board member who provides strategic advice and governance to the MF Management team

Key Responsibilities

On an individual level, a board member is expected to perform following main tasks:
i. Understand and uphold the policies of MF Program, as well as Vision Fund International including the governance policy of Microfinance Institutions and the Vision, Mission and of World Vision International;
ii. Act with required care and diligence; making reasonable enquiries to ensure the program is operating efficiently, effectively, appropriately and legally in achieving objectives and goals;
iii. Read material sent in Board pack in advance and prepare for Board meetings1
iv. Attend Board meetings2 and participate in discussion and decisions contributing their skills and business experience to the benefit of the institution. While it is recognized that board attendance may be by virtual means (Skype/teleconference), it is

1 Reading packages shall be sent to Board 2 weeks in advance
2The Board meets four times in a year; twice face to face and twice virtually (via Webex or Skype).

expected that a board member must attend at least 50% of the board meetings in person;
v. Serve on Board committees as needed;
vi. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their participation as a board member, and refrain from sharing information that refers to staff members or members of the management group to any group or individual outside the organization;

Knowledge & Skill

Board members shall be required to meet the following criteria:
i. Respect and subscribe to the Christian and practices;
ii. Have a heart for the poor and demonstrate willingness to be committed to the Ministry of World Vision;
iii. Have good reputation in the country, with regard to character, competence and trust worthiness;
iv. Understand the operations/ practices of Microfinance sector in local context and familiar with the regulations/ legal framework of Vietnam Government on related issues.
v. Possess the professional qualifications in Economics, Business Administration,
Banking or Microfinance
vi. Have experiences in governance, networking and relationships with potential donors, stakeholders is preferred

Experience