Job Description
Position Overview
- The Head of Credit is a senior management role responsible for overseeing the credit operations and portfolio of the Microfinance Bank.
- This includes managing credit risk, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines, and driving the development and implementation of innovative credit products to meet the needs of clients.
- The role requires a results-driven professional with deep knowledge of credit processes, risk assessment, and portfolio management, alongside strong leadership and analytical skills.
Key Responsibilities
Credit Portfolio Management:
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for credit operations to ensure effective management of the bank’s loan portfolio.
- Oversee the appraisal, approval, and disbursement of loans in line with the bank’s credit risk framework.
- Monitor the performance of the credit portfolio, ensuring low non-performing loan (NPL) ratios and high recovery rates.
- Conduct periodic reviews and analyses of the credit portfolio to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
Credit Risk Assessment and Management:
- Establish and enforce risk assessment procedures to evaluate client creditworthiness.
- Ensure credit decisions are based on sound financial and risk analyses.
- Monitor and mitigate risks associated with lending, including customer defaults and sector-specific risks.
- Collaborate with internal auditors and regulators to ensure compliance with all credit-related policies and regulations.
Product Development and Innovation:
- Design and roll out innovative credit products tailored to the financial needs of underserved communities.
- Assess the performance of existing credit products and recommend improvements or new offerings.
- Work with marketing teams to develop strategies to promote credit products effectively.
Leadership and Team Development:
- Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the credit team, ensuring alignment with the bank’s goals.
- Set performance targets for the credit team and conduct regular reviews to monitor progress.
- Mentor, train, and develop credit officers to build capacity and improve overall team performance.
- Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and customer-centricity within the credit department.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure all credit operations comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines and other relevant regulations.
- Prepare and submit periodic credit reports to management, auditors, and regulators as required.
- Stay informed about regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation of updates to policies and processes.
Customer Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients to enhance customer loyalty and retention.
- Act as the primary point of escalation for resolving complex credit issues.
- Ensure exceptional customer service and satisfaction within all credit-related transactions.
Key Qualifications
- Professional certifications such as CIBN (Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria) or similar qualifications are an added advantage.
- A Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., MBA) is a plus.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the banking or microfinance sector, with a focus on credit management.
- Demonstrated experience in loan processing, credit risk analysis, and portfolio management.
- Proven track record of maintaining low non-performing loan (NPL) ratios and achieving recovery targets.
Skills and Competencies:
- Credit Analysis Expertise: Strong ability to analyze financial statements, assess creditworthiness, and make sound lending decisions.
- Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating credit risks.
- Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve departmental goals.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of CBN regulations and other applicable credit policies.
- Customer Focus: Commitment to meeting the financial needs of customers while maintaining prudent risk practices.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills and ability to interpret complex financial data.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication for engaging with clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders.