Group Head - SME / Micro Loans at Ashmina Financial Services Limited

Job Summary

• The Group Head is responsible for the management of the lending business , including business development, product development, marketing, policy development, and application of internal controls.
• He will ensure that Ashmina Financial Services Limited is competitive, and that performance targets are met.
• The Group Head is responsible for ensuring that core business personnel are adequately trained and operate at a high standard of technical competency in collaboration with Head of Human Resources
• The Group Head also ensures that Ashmina Financial Services Limited implements responsible lending and wholesale savings practices. As a member of the Management Team, he shares responsibility for the overall performance and activities of Ashmina Financial Services Limited, and participates in making decisions on strategic issues.

Responsibilities
Ensure the integrity of the Ashmina Financial Services Limited’s Credit Management Process by Directing and Working with line Staff to Develop and Execute Credit Policy and Procedures Through:

• Development and regular review of credit policies for recommendation of changes to executive management and the Ashmina Financial Services Limited Board
• Development and regular review of credit products, development of new products, and terms and conditions of same to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace
• Conduct of market research and competitor analysis

Maintain and Improve the Overall Risk profile of Ashmina Financial Services Limited Loan Portfolio by Ensuring Quality Credit Decisions and Proactive Management and Control of Lending Through:

• Adequate depth and quality of financial analysis by all lending staff in respect of cash flows to justify lending decisions and ongoing loan support to customers
• Quality ongoing controls and credit management based on regular review and monitoring of loans
• Implementation of effective repayment and loan collection process to ensure Portfolio at Risk (PAR) is kept at an acceptable limit

Develop and Manage all Staff within the Lending Division to:

• Set, measure and weigh individual KPIs for all posts consistent with the Ashmina Financial Services Limited ’s annual performance goals and Strategic Plan
• Carry out annual ( or more frequent) staff performance reviews
• Foster teamwork and effective communication
• Ensure adequate and ongoing training in all aspects of credit assessment and approval, management ,control and recovery
• Ensure adequate recognition of staff effort, with rewards for success
• Ensure appropriate disciplinary action is taken in respect of staff consistently under-performing
• Lead the development of the business strategy in collaboration with the CEO & other members of the Executive Committee to improve the overall performance and to achieve the goals of Ashmina Financial Services Limited.
• Manage stakeholder’s expectations & provides leadership in achieving the overall business objectives.
• Set clear directions & KPIs to manage the functional areas under his/her supervision.
• Direct the preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based on broad organizational goals and growth objectives.
• Oversee team leaders and other assigned personnel responsible for the implementation of the organization’s policies and the day-to-day operations of the company
• Creates the structure and processes necessary to manage the organization's current activities and its projected growth.
• Ensures that the responsibilities, authorities, and accountability of all direct subordinates are defined and understood.
• Ensures that all organization activities and operations are carried out in compliance with CBN prudential guidelines.
• Establishe operating policies consistent with the Ashmina Financial Services Limited’s broad policies and objectives and ensures their execution.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications and Competencies

• A University Degree in any field
• A minimum of ten years’ experience in SME/micro lending with a leading financial institution(s)
• An ability to take difficult decisions in the face of conflicting pressures
• Willingness to challenge the status quo
• Innovative mindset
• Sound experience in assessment of loan proposals.
• Sound experience in managing sets of small and medium borrowing customers
• Good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated risk assessment skills
• Good written and verbal presentation skills
• Team orientated.