When working to help people out of poverty, it is important that quality control measures are in place in all levels of management. This includes ensuring that funds are properly used and do not fall into the wrong hands. In line with the Norwegian government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy, Digni has consistently and conscientiously worked at strengthening anticorruption efforts. Digni’s new controller will actively work in the areas of prevention, exposure and handling of financial mismanagement.

Quality member organizations

Our newly-employed controller, Kjersti Borud Andersen (51), replaces Astrid Vaaler Lundstrøm who was Digni’s senior consultant for finance and administration. Kjersti worked eight years as a controller for Norwegian Church Aid, having been active in several international ecumenical networks. She has also worked in finance and administration in the private sector.

“Why do you want to work for Digni?”

“[Digni] has quality member organizations working with projects that are solidly anchored in the local community. I believe it is important to preserve this competency. It is necessary to work with anticorruption so that requirements are met that maintain the quality of each project,” states Kjersti.

“What comes to mind when you think of corruption?”

“I see it as the misuse of funds and people’s trust. Corruption is a very destructive element in a culture, destroying both local communities and organizations. Digni manages a large framework agreement from Norad, and it is important that these funds get to where they are meant to. It is the poorest of the poor who should be receiving support,” says the newly-employed controller.

Prevention is crucial

“Are you Digni’s new [Norwegian-born French politician] Eva Joly? Should people fear you?”

“Absolutely not,” smiles Kjersti. “I’m actually a rather diplomatic, flexible person. But if some impropriety is disclosed, I believe it must be dealt with swiftly and completely. Corruption is corruption, and mismanagement is mismanagement.”

Kjersti believes that it is crucial to work with corruption prevention, and wants to strengthen this competency in partner organizations that can benefit from this.

“It is important to focus on supporting them in such a way that they are able to meet expected requirements,” states Kjersti.

Kjersti enjoys traveling, and studied a year in Australia, a year in Italy and five years in the United States. She also lived with her husband and three children for three years in France. She loves France, and often travels to her favorite place outside the village of Grasse just north of Cannes where she has many friends. She enjoys making food, doing yoga and spending time with her two dogs. We are truly looking forward to getting to know you, Kjersti!  Welcome to Digni!