The Credit Officer is responsible for maintaining a healthy and growing credit portfolio while ensuring quality membership and effective microfinance operations. This role combines traditional loan processing with field-based microfinance activities to achieve agreed targets regarding portfolio size, delinquency, and default rates.

REPORTING TO: BRANCH MANAGER

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Credit Management & Loan Processing
  • Handle member loan approvals and payment processing
  • Conduct loan appraisal and adequately process loan applications
  • Verify appraised loan forms before management approval
  • Maintain loan register and guarantors records
  • Manage CRB queries and assist in reducing loan turnover time
  • Generate routine credit reports (rejected loans, repayment status, etc.)
  • Comply with loan procedures and legal requirements
• Customer Service & Communication
  • Notify loan applicants monthly on repayment start dates through various channels
  • Attend to member queries regarding loans and services
  • Draft notices to debtors and demand letters for loans in arrears
  • Negotiate payment arrangements with customers who have delinquent loans
  • Ensure provision of quality service to all customers
• Business Development & Field Operations
  • Market and sell Sacco products including member accounts, savings products, loans, and credit products
  • Recruit new members and maintain/activate existing clients
  • Visit microfinance groups on daily basis to facilitate savings and loan repayments
  • Maintain quality client portfolio through effective monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up
  • Collect market intelligence and competitor intelligence
• Coordination & Reporting
  • Coordinate loan processing with other departments
  • Prepare periodical credit reports for management
  • Perform any other duties as assigned from time to time

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Business-related degree or equivalent from a recognized university; OR Diploma in Co-operative Management, Credit Management, or Banking from a recognized institution.
• CPA II certification with minimum 2 years’ experience in Credit Management in a Financial Institution.

REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Effective listening abilities
  • Good people, interpersonal, and networking skills
  • Able to handle difficult customers with diplomacy and tact
• Technical & Analytical Skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial statements
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of Sacco products and services
• Personal Attributes
  • Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards
  • High level of professionalism
  • Self-confidence and motivation
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Sound judgment and decision-making ability
• Work Style & Adaptability
  • Highly developed teamwork skills
  • Effective time management and adaptability to changing priorities
  • Ability to follow written instructions and documented procedures
  • Capable of working productively with a wide range of people