Risk Manager at Beyond Credit Limited

Role Summary

• To develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework that identifies, assesses, monitors, and mitigates all material risks threatening the institution's assets, earnings, capital, and reputation.
• The role ensures the Beyond Credit Limited (BCL) operates within the risk appetite set by the Board and remains compliant with the stringent regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Key Responsibilities & Duties
Credit Risk Management:

• Design and enforce robust credit policies, procedures, and lending limits tailored to the BCL target market (SMEs, low-income entrepreneurs, groups).
• Analyze the portfolio for concentration risk (sectoral, geographic, single-obligor) as per CBN Prudential Guidelines.
• Develop and validate credit scoring models for retail and micro-loans.
• Monitor portfolio quality metrics: Portfolio-at-Risk (PAR > 30 days, > 90 days), delinquency rates, and roll rates.
• Oversee the loan loss provisioning process, ensuring adequacy and compliance with IFRS 9.

Operational Risk Management:

• Identify and map key operational risks including fraud, internal process failures, IT/system failures, and legal risks.
• Implement controls to mitigate fraud prevalent in the Nigerian context (e.g., identity theft, loan diversion, insider abuse).
• Ensure robust Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP) are in place, especially relevant for Lagos's challenges (e.g., flooding, power instability, network outages).
• Oversee branch operations risk, cash management, and transaction processing risks.

Liquidity & Market Risk Management:

• Monitor daily liquidity positions and comply with CBN's Liquidity Ratio and other statutory requirements.
• Manage the mismatch between assets and liabilities.
• Assess the impact of market variables like interest rate fluctuations and inflation on the MFI's operations and portfolio.

Strategic & Compliance Risk:

• Analyze risks associated with new products, business strategies, and expansion plans within Lagos and beyond.
• Ensure strict adherence to all CBN Microfinance Bank Regulatory Guidelines, Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws, and data protection regulations (NDPC Act).
• Liaise with regulators (CBN, NDIC) during examinations and ensure timely remediation of findings.

Enterprise Risk Framework & Reporting:

• Maintain the institution's Risk Management Framework and Policy, approved by the Board.
• Facilitate organization-wide Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA).
• Prepare and present comprehensive risk reports to Senior Management and the Board Risk Committee, highlighting key risk indicators (KRIs), emerging risks, and mitigation status.
• Foster a strong risk culture through training and awareness programs for all staff.

People & Process Management:

• Lead and manage the risk department team (risk officers, analysts).
• Collaborate closely with heads of Credit, Operations, Finance, and IT to embed risk controls in all processes.
• Investigate major risk incidents and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: A First Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or professional qualification is a strong advantage.
• Certifications: Mandatory: Professional certification from the Nigeria Risk Management Institute (NRMI). Highly Preferred: Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (ACIBN), or international certifications like Financial Risk Manager (FRM) or Professional Risk Manager (PRM).
• Experience: 5 - 7 years of progressive experience in risk management, internal control, or credit administration within the Nigerian financial services sector, with at least 3 years in a management role within a licensed Microfinance Bank or a similar deposit-taking institution.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Must have an in-depth and practical understanding of:
  • CBN Regulatory Framework for Microfinance Banks in Nigeria.
  • CBN Prudential Guidelines.
  • CBN AML/CFT Regulations.
  • IFRS 9 Implementation.
  • NDIC Acts.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Analytical & Numerical Prowess: Ability to analyze complex portfolio data and make data-driven decisions.
• Integrity & Independence: Unquestionable ethics to withstand pressure and report risks objectively.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent skills to communicate risk concepts clearly to staff, management, and the board. Must be able to enforce policies.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying vulnerabilities and designing pragmatic, cost-effective controls.
• Technological Savvy: Proficiency in core banking software, risk management systems, and advanced MS Excel. Knowledge of digital lending risks is a major plus.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to operate effectively in the fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes volatile Lagos business environment.

What the Role Offers

• A critical leadership position with direct impact on the stability and growth of the institution.
• Competitive remuneration package, including performance-based bonuses, as per industry standards in Lagos.
• Opportunity for professional growth and interaction with regulators.
• A challenging environment to apply and deepen expertise in niche risk areas critical to financial inclusion.