Credit Risk Officer - Dawakin Kudu MFB at CredPal

Purpose Statement

• We are seeking an experienced and highly analytical Credit Risk Officer to oversee the Bank's credit risk management framework while supporting internal audit and regulatory compliance activities.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing credit risk, ensuring compliance with the Bank's credit policies and regulatory requirements, conducting portfolio reviews, supporting internal audits, and monitoring operational and compliance risks. The role is critical to maintaining a high-quality loan portfolio and safeguarding the Bank's assets.

Credit Risk Management

• Conduct comprehensive credit appraisals and risk assessments for loan applications in accordance with the Bank's Credit Policy.
• Review borrowers' financial capacity, collateral, repayment ability, and overall creditworthiness.
• Recommend loan approvals, modifications, or declines based on risk analysis.
• Monitor the Bank's loan portfolio and identify emerging credit risks.
• Track Portfolio at Risk (PAR), Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), and other key credit risk indicators.
• Recommend appropriate risk mitigation and recovery strategies.

Portfolio Monitoring & Recovery

• Conduct periodic reviews of the loan portfolio to ensure ongoing credit quality.
• Monitor early warning signals and recommend proactive interventions.
• Support recovery activities on delinquent and classified loans.
• Ensure timely loan reviews and portfolio performance reporting.

Internal Audit & Operational Reviews

• Conduct periodic internal control reviews across branch operations.
• Assess compliance with approved operational policies and procedures.
• Identify control weaknesses and recommend corrective actions.
• Follow up on audit findings to ensure timely resolution.
• Prepare audit reports and present findings to Management.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Monitor compliance with CBN Guidelines for Microfinance Banks, AML/CFT regulations, KYC requirements, and internal policies.
• Support the preparation of regulatory reports and responses to regulatory examinations.
• Ensure credit operations comply with approved policies and delegated authority limits.
• Conduct compliance testing across operational and credit activities.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, monitor, and report operational, credit, and compliance risks.
• Maintain the Bank's risk register and monitor implementation of mitigation actions.
• Recommend improvements to the Bank's risk management framework.
• Promote a strong risk and compliance culture across the Bank.

Policy Development & Process Improvement

• Support the review and enhancement of credit, risk, and operational policies.
• Recommend improvements to internal controls and operational procedures.
• Assist in implementing risk-based monitoring and audit programs.

Reporting

• Prepare weekly and monthly credit risk reports.
• Produce portfolio quality reports, audit reports, compliance reports, and risk dashboards.
• Report significant exceptions and policy breaches to Management promptly.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Portfolio at Risk (PAR) Ratio
• Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Ratio
• Credit Review Turnaround Time
• Quality of Credit Appraisal Reports
• Number of Internal Audit Reviews Completed
• Timely Closure of Audit Findings
• Compliance with CBN and Internal Policies
• Number of Compliance Exceptions Identified and Resolved
• Risk Assessment Timeliness
• Regulatory Examination Outcomes
• Loan Recovery Performance

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Banking, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4years' relevant experience within a Microfinance Bank (MFB) in Credit Risk, Internal Audit, Risk Management, or Compliance.
• Strong experience in credit appraisal, portfolio management, loan monitoring, and recovery.
• Demonstrated experience conducting internal audits, operational reviews, and compliance monitoring within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong understanding of CBN Guidelines for Microfinance Banks, prudential guidelines, AML/CFT regulations, KYC requirements, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience preparing audit reports, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance reports.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and report-writing skills.
• High level of integrity, objectivity, and professional judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and core banking applications.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, MCIB, CRMP, CISA, CIA) will be an added advantage.
• Must reside in Kano State, preferably within or around Dawakin Kudu and its environs.