Overall Objective:

To lead LOLC Zambia’s credit function by establishing and maintaining robust credit policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a high-performance credit culture. The role is pivotal in managing credit risk, optimizing portfolio quality, and supporting sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of credit policies, procedures, and risk management frameworks.
• Oversee the end-to-end credit appraisal process, ensuring thorough risk assessment and adherence to internal and regulatory lending standards.
• Review and approve credit proposals, maintaining a prudent balance between risk and return.
• Lead, mentor, and build capacity within the credit team to ensure consistent, high-quality credit decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance and proactively manage credit risk exposures across all segments.
• Develop and implement credit scoring models and assessment tools to enhance decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Bank of Zambia regulations and other statutory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in credit operations, including automation and system enhancements.
• Prepare and present periodic credit performance reports to senior management and the Board.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Risk, Compliance, Operations) to align credit strategy with overall business objectives.
• Lead internal audits and regulatory inspections related to credit and ensure timely resolution of findings.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Full Grade 12 Certificate with credits in English and Mathematics.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., ZICA, ACCA, CPA, CFA, or Credit Management) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in credit risk management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in a Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) or Microfinance environment is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of credit underwriting, portfolio management, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in credit management systems and lending software.
• Advanced analytical skills, including financial modeling and data interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of credit policies, procedures, and risk management frameworks.
• Oversee the end-to-end credit appraisal process, ensuring thorough risk assessment and adherence to internal and regulatory lending standards.
• Review and approve credit proposals, maintaining a prudent balance between risk and return.
• Lead, mentor, and build capacity within the credit team to ensure consistent, high-quality credit decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance and proactively manage credit risk exposures across all segments.
• Develop and implement credit scoring models and assessment tools to enhance decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Bank of Zambia regulations and other statutory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in credit operations, including automation and system enhancements.
• Prepare and present periodic credit performance reports to senior management and the Board.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Risk, Compliance, Operations) to align credit strategy with overall business objectives.
• Lead internal audits and regulatory inspections related to credit and ensure timely resolution of findings.

• Full Grade 12 Certificate with credits in English and Mathematics.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., ZICA, ACCA, CPA, CFA, or Credit Management) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in credit risk management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in a Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) or Microfinance environment is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of credit underwriting, portfolio management, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in credit management systems and lending software.
• Advanced analytical skills, including financial modeling and data interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.