Business Loan Officer

Under the supervision of the Branch Manager, the Business Loans Officer is responsible for developing and maintaining a portfolio consistent with the financial and strategic objectives of the company.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Business Loan Officer is responsible for achieving set disbursement and delinquency targets, maintaining and initiating customer relationships, and ensuring a high level of service delivery.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Identify new and prospective clients and manage the retention of existing clients.
• Conduct marketing and promotional activities to promote products and increase brand awareness.
• Work closely with the Branch Manager to develop and execute strategies to grow the loan portfolio.
• Assess, process, and recommend loan applications, including business analysis and cash flow projections where applicable.
• Generate credit reports.
• Verify assets/collateral submitted by clients.
• Recommend and submit loan applications to the Credit Adjudication team.
• Exercise sound analytical skills and prudent judgment in the adjudication of loan applications within company limits and policy guidelines.
• Check all documents submitted by clients to support loan requests to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct site visits where applicable to ascertain the authenticity of loan application details.
• Conduct frequent monitoring visits where applicable, subsequent to loan disbursements, to ensure that loan funds are used in accordance with the purpose stipulated on the loan application and follow up on inactive clients.
• Maintain close relationships with existing clients to identify new opportunities and assist in their growth and development.
• Maintain delinquency levels as per established Credit Policy, including immediate response to late loan payments and making initial contact after the first evidence of lateness.
• Network with community organizations to obtain referrals and maximize new sales opportunities.
• Provide prompt, knowledgeable, and courteous service to both internal and external customers.
• Provide accurate information regarding the company’s products and services.
• Prepare and submit weekly activity reports as directed by the Branch Manager.
• Assume full responsibility for all customer inquiries/concerns/complaints that are directed to you and resolve these matters within your discretion to the customer’s satisfaction or refer the customer to your immediate supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

The incumbent must have:

• Diploma in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, or related discipline.
• A minimum of three (3) years of related work experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the local community/environment.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

• Excellent negotiation and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• A good understanding of the microfinance sector.
• Highly motivated.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position is primarily physical, with most of each workday spent in the field. The incumbent will be required to travel to conduct credit-related activities and marketing activities. The working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. However, occasional working and training may be required on weekends.