Job Description

A reputable Microfinance Organisation is seeking a credit Manager

Job Summary
The Credit Manager is responsible for leading the full credit lifecycle of the microfinance bank—including credit origination, credit sales, analysis, disbursement, monitoring, and recovery. The role involves developing and executing strategies to grow the loan portfolio sustainably, maintaining credit quality, ensuring strong team performance, and enforcing risk management practices aligned with regulatory and institutional policies.

• Develop and implement sales strategies to drive growth in loan products and client base.
• Set disbursement targets and actively support field teams in meeting sales goals.
• Identify high-potential sectors and underserved market segments to expand credit outreach.
• Collaborate with marketing and business development units to promote loan products.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key client groups, cooperatives, and partners.
• Monitor and report on credit sales performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

• Lead the loan origination process including client identification, credit assessment, and approval workflows.
• Conduct or oversee detailed credit analysis covering cash flow, character, capacity, conditions, and collateral (the 5 Cs).
• Review and approve loans within delegated authority and escalate higher-risk exposures as required.
• Recommend suitable loan structures, pricing models, and risk mitigation measures for varying borrower categories.

• Supervise the credit team in loan appraisal, documentation, approval, disbursement, and monitoring.
• Ensure all loans are disbursed within approved turnaround times and in line with policy.
• Drive operational efficiencies across the credit process and ensure data integrity in reporting systems.

• Monitor portfolio performance to detect early warning signs of default.
• Design and implement effective delinquency management and recovery strategies.
• Analyze risk exposure, maintain credit quality benchmarks, and reduce non-performing loans (NPLs).
• Oversee loan restructuring and work-out strategies where needed.

• Ensure strict adherence to credit risk policies, regulatory guidelines, and internal procedures.
• Regularly review and recommend updates to the credit policy based on market realities and institutional capacity.
• Support external and internal audits, ensuring compliance with Central Bank and financial sector regulations.

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing credit team across branches or operational zones.
• Set performance targets and conduct appraisals based on portfolio growth, quality, and productivity.
• Organize regular capacity-building sessions for credit officers on credit risk, product knowledge, and client relationship management.

• Prepare and present periodic credit reports, portfolio analysis, and risk assessments to senior management.
• Provide insights for strategic decision-making on new product development, market expansion, and operational scaling.
• Collaborate with the finance and operations teams to align credit performance with institutional goals.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree or professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CFA, CRM) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in credit management, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, preferably in a microfinance institution.
• Demonstrated success in credit sales, loan portfolio growth, credit analysis, and risk management.

• Strong understanding of microfinance lending methodologies (group and individual lending).
• Proven sales and business development skills in the financial services sector.
• Excellent credit analysis and underwriting skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Advanced communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in credit management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and a strong sense of accountability.