Head, Credit at a Leading Fintech, Oil and Gas, Technology, and Media Conglomerate - Talent City

Talent City - Our client is a leading conglomerate operating in the Fintech, Oil and Gas, Technology, and Media, renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. As part of its strategic diversification and expansion into financial services, the company established a digitally driven Microfinance Bank.

To spearhead its bold new venture, the company seeks a tech-driven and talented candidate to join the team in the capacity below:

Job Title: Head, Credit

Location: Lagos
Reports to: MD/CEO
Industry Sectors: Financial Services

Job Overview

• The Head, Credit will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the credit strategy of the Microfinance Bank in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulatory framework.
• The role ensures effective credit risk assessment, loan portfolio management, recovery processes, and adherence to sound credit practices, with a focus on financial inclusion and sustainable growth of the bank.

Key Responsibilities
Credit Strategy & Policy:

• Develop and implement the bank’s credit policy, procedures, and risk management framework in line with CBN guidelines.
• Formulate strategies to grow a healthy loan portfolio while minimizing non-performing loans (NPLs).
• Monitor industry and regulatory trends to adjust credit practices accordingly.

Loan Origination & Appraisal:

• Oversee appraisal and approval of loan applications within delegated authority.
• Ensure thorough credit analysis, including cash flow assessment, collateral evaluation, and character assessment.
• Chair the Credit Committee and present credit proposals to the Board where required.

Portfolio Management:

• Manage and monitor the quality of the loan portfolio.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for loan disbursement, recovery, and portfolio at risk (PAR).
• Implement early warning systems to detect and mitigate emerging credit risks.

Recovery & Collections:

• Oversee loan recovery strategies and ensure effective management of delinquent accounts.
• Supervise the recovery team in negotiating repayment plans and initiating legal action when necessary.
• Maintain acceptable levels of PAR and ensure compliance with provisioning requirements.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the credit and recovery teams.
• Drive capacity building initiatives for Credit Officers on credit appraisal, monitoring, and customer relationship management.
• Foster a high-performance culture in line with the bank’s values.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with CBN prudential guidelines, Microfinance Policy, and all relevant regulations.
• Prepare periodic credit reports for submission to Management, Board, and Regulators (CBN, NDIC).
• Liaise with auditors, regulators, and stakeholders on credit-related matters.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Banking, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• Master's degree/Professional certification(e.g., CIBN, Certified Microfinance Practitioner,ICAN, ACCA, or Risk Management certifications) isan added advantage
• 7-10 years’ experiencein credit management, at least 3 years at a supervisory/managerial level in a Microfinance Bank, Commercial Bank, or Financial Institution.
• Strong knowledge of CBN Microfinance Policy Framework, Prudential Guidelines, and credit regulations.
• Proven track record in credit risk management, loan portfolio growth, and recovery.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent credit appraisal and risk management skills.
• Strong knowledge of microfinance products, group lending methodology, and SME lending.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and accountability.
• Strong negotiation and recovery skills.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.