Microfinance Officer at Fort Knox Group

Department: Credit & Operations
Reports To: Branch Manager / Credit Supervisor

Role Overview

• The Microfinance Officer is responsible for growing and managing a healthy loan and savings portfolio by identifying creditworthy micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) clients, evaluating credit applications, disbursing loans, and ensuring timely repayments.
• This role blends field-based client acquisition and relationship management with disciplined credit risk assessment and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities
Client Acquisition & Portfolio Growth:

• Conduct field outreach, market storms, and community engagement to identify and onboard prospective individual and group borrowers.
• Promote the institution’s credit, savings, and micro-insurance products to artisans, traders, and small business owners.
• Achieve monthly and quarterly targets for loan disbursements, active borrower counts, and deposit mobilization.

Credit Appraisal & Loan Processing:

• Interview loan applicants and conduct physical site visits to verify business operations, cash flows, inventory, and household income.
• Collect and verify Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation, guarantor details, and collateral/security pledges.
• Prepare accurate credit appraisal memos and present loan files to the Credit Committee for approval.

Loan Monitoring & Recovery:

• Track repayment schedules closely and maintain a low Portfolio at Risk (PAR > 30 days) ratio in line with company benchmarks.
• Conduct regular post-disbursement follow-ups and business check-ins to ensure funds are used for their intended purpose.
• Proactively manage delinquent accounts through early intervention, restructuring proposals (where applicable), and structured recovery efforts.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure all lending activities strictly adhere to internal credit policies and Central Bank / regulatory microfinance guidelines.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records in the Core Banking Application (CBA).
• Submit weekly and monthly reports on portfolio performance, field visits, arrears, and market feedback to the Branch Manager.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Monthly loan disbursement volume and number of new active clients.
• Portfolio at Risk (PAR > 1 day and PAR > 30 days) kept below target thresholds (e.g., < 3%).
• On-time repayment rate (98%+).
• Savings/deposit mobilization targets.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. (Candidates with an OND and strong field sales/microfinance experience may also be considered.)
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in microfinance lending, commercial banking sales, cooperative credit management, or field-based FMCG/financial sales.

Technical Skills:

• Solid understanding of basic financial analysis, cash-flow assessment, and credit risk evaluation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with Core Banking Software.

Core Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and persuasive communication skills.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Willingness and physical stamina to work extensively in the field across local markets and communities.
• Fluency in English and the local language(s) of the assigned territory.