Deposit Mobilization Officer at Retrust Microfinance Bank

Job Summary

• We are seeking a competent, proactive and results-driven Legal Officer with practical experience in microfinance banking, particularly in loan recovery, debt management and litigation support.
• The successful candidate will provide legal and operational support for the Bank's loan recovery activities, ensuring that delinquent loans are pursued through appropriate recovery channels, legal procedures and enforcement mechanisms.
• The ideal candidate must possess a good understanding of lending operations, loan documentation, debt recovery processes and applicable banking regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and guidance on loan recovery activities, particularly in managing delinquent and non-performing loan accounts.
• Work closely with the Credit and Recovery teams to develop and implement effective loan recovery strategies.
• Prepare and issue demand letters, letters of notice, repayment reminders and other legal correspondence to defaulting borrowers and guarantors.
• Review loan agreements, guarantee documents, collateral documents and other credit-related legal instruments to ensure proper documentation and enforceability.
• Support the recovery of outstanding loans through negotiation, mediation, settlement agreements and other lawful recovery mechanisms.
• Liaise with external solicitors, law enforcement agencies, courts and other relevant institutions on loan recovery and litigation matters.
• Monitor defaulting loan accounts and provide legal recommendations on appropriate recovery actions.
• Conduct legal searches and due diligence on collateral documents, guarantors and other security instruments.
• Support the repossession and enforcement of collateral in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures.
• Maintain proper records of recovery actions, legal proceedings, court processes and other relevant documentation.
• Advise Management on legal risks associated with lending, credit administration, loan recovery and debt enforcement.
• Ensure that all recovery activities comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements and the Bank's internal policies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B) and a qualifying certificate from the Nigerian Law School.
• Must be called to the Nigerian Bar and possess a valid practising status.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of relevant legal experience, preferably within a microfinance bank, commercial bank, financial institution or debt recovery organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in microfinance loan recovery, debt collection and management of delinquent loan accounts.
• Practical knowledge of loan recovery procedures, debt enforcement, litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Experience in preparing demand notices, legal opinions, loan agreements and other credit-related legal documents.
• Good understanding of banking operations, lending procedures and applicable financial sector regulations.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong negotiation, persuasion and debt recovery skills.
• Excellent legal research, drafting and analytical abilities.
• Good knowledge of loan recovery and litigation procedures.
• Ability to manage difficult borrowers and guarantors professionally.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with the Credit, Risk Management and Operations teams.
• Results-oriented, proactive and capable of working with recovery targets.