Head, Community Banking at VFD Group

VFD Group is an alternative financial service holding company that creates value by working within Nigeria's informal financial sector to create innovative products and solutions that are accessible to the everyday Nigerian.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Community Banking

Location: Lagos
Job Type: Full time

Job Description

• The Group Head Community Banking is responsible for developing and managing banking relationships with organized groups, associations, cooperatives, and community-based organizations.
• This role focuses on financial inclusion by providing tailored banking solutions to underserved segments through group-lending models, community engagement, and relationship management with collective entities.

Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategy for community banking segment aligned with bank's financial inclusion objectives and growth targets
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities within the community banking space including cooperatives, trade associations, religious groups, market associations, and social clusters
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with apex cooperative bodies, trade unions, community development associations, and other stakeholder organizations
• Set annual targets for customer acquisition, deposit mobilization, loan disbursement, and portfolio growth
• Lead innovation in product development tailored to community banking needs (group savings, cooperative loans, association financing, thrift collector programs)
• Represent the bank at community stakeholder forums, cooperative summits, and financial inclusion platforms
• Build, lead, and manage a high-performing community banking team across multiple locations/zones
• Recruit, train, and develop community banking officers and field staff with appropriate skills and competencies
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and capacity building programs for team members
• Set individual and team targets aligned with segment objectives
• Foster a culture of customer-centricity, integrity, and financial inclusion within the team
• Portfolio Management & Risk Mitigation
• Oversee community banking loan portfolio ensuring quality, growth, and compliance with credit policies
• Monitor portfolio performance metrics including NPL ratios, portfolio at risk (PAR), and delinquency rates
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for group lending including joint liability mechanisms and social collateral
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and implement remedial actions for underperforming accounts
• Approve community banking loans within delegated authority limits
• Ensure robust credit assessment processes for cooperatives and community groups
• Product Development & Service Innovation
• Design and launch community banking products addressing specific needs of target segments
• Develop group-lending methodologies, cooperative finance models, and association banking frameworks
• Create financial literacy and capacity building programs for community banking clients
• Leverage technology and digital channels to enhance community banking service delivery
• Implement innovative savings mobilization strategies including mobile money integration and agent banking models
• Stakeholder Management & Partnerships
• Cultivate relationships with cooperative federations, market leaders, religious institutions, and community development organizations
• Engage government agencies, NGOs, and development finance institutions for partnership opportunities
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Operations, Risk, Compliance, Marketing) to ensure seamless service delivery
• Represent the community banking segment in management meetings and strategic planning sessions
• Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
• Ensure all community banking activities comply with CBN regulations, AML/CFT requirements, and internal policies
• Implement robust KYC procedures for all community groups, cooperatives, and associations
• Monitor and report suspicious transactions and ensure adherence to consumer protection guidelines
• Conduct regular compliance audits of community banking operations and documentation
• Liaise with regulatory bodies on community banking and financial inclusion initiatives
• Reporting & Performance Tracking
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports on community banking segment
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend corrective actions
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities in the community banking space
• Provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Banking, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field; MBA or Master's degree in related field preferred
• Professional certifications in Microfinance, Cooperative Management, Community Development Finance, or Banking (e.g., CIBN, ACIB, Chartered Banker) highly desirable
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in community banking, microfinance, cooperative banking, or SME banking
• At least 5 years in management/leadership roles overseeing teams and portfolios
• Proven track record in building and managing community banking or microfinance portfolios
• Experience in financial inclusion initiatives, group-lending methodologies, and cooperative finance
• Strong understanding of Nigeria's community banking ecosystem, cooperative movements, and association structures
• Ability to develop vision and execute growth
• strategies for community banking segment
• Exceptional skills in building partnerships with diverse community stakeholders
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and manage high-performing field teams.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online