ABOUT DORSET

Dorset is a fast-growing financial services company providing lending solutions to individuals and SMEs. Our goal is to empower clients through accessible financing, deliver exceptional service, and contribute to Zambia's economic growth.

As we expand into Kitwe, we are looking for a driven and customer-centric Loan Officer to join our team and support the growth of our lending operations in the Copperbelt.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Loan Officer will be responsible for identifying potential clients, evaluating loan applications, conducting credit assessments, managing portfolios, and ensuring high-quality customer service. This role is key to driving growth in Dorset's secured lending products, including equity release loans, business loans, payroll loans, and personal loans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Acquisition & Relationship Management

• Identify, engage, and onboard prospective clients through fieldwork, referrals, and partnerships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, SMEs, and community networks.
• Promote Dorset's full product range to individuals and businesses in Kitwe and surrounding areas.

Loan Origination & Credit Assessment

• Conduct preliminary assessments of loan applications.
• Gather and verify required client documentation.
• Perform site visits, business assessments, and affordability analyses.
• Prepare detailed credit appraisal reports for approval.
• Ensure compliance with Dorset's credit policies and underwriting guidelines.

Collateral & Security Management

• Inspect collateral and arrange valuations where required.
• Verify ownership, documentation, and insurance compliance.
• Ensure all security documents are complete before disbursement.

Portfolio Monitoring & Collections

• Monitor loan repayments and proactively follow up on overdue accounts.
• Support recoveries efforts in collaboration with the Branch Manager.
• Maintain excellent portfolio quality through responsible lending and ongoing client engagement.

Customer Service

• Provide exceptional service to all walk-in and referred clients.
• Educate clients on Dorset's products, loan terms, and repayment obligations.
• Handle client queries professionally and promptly.

Reporting

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on loan applications, disbursements, pipeline, and collections.
• Provide updates to the Branch Manager on performance and market trends.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• · Diploma or Degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• · Minimum 2 years' experience in lending, credit assessment, microfinance, banking, or related roles.
• · Strong understanding of secured lending and credit evaluation.
• · Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• · Familiarity with the Copperbelt market is an added advantage.

• Identify, engage, and onboard prospective clients through fieldwork, referrals, and partnerships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, SMEs, and community networks.
• Promote Dorset's full product range to individuals and businesses in Kitwe and surrounding areas.
• Conduct preliminary assessments of loan applications.
• Gather and verify required client documentation.
• Perform site visits, business assessments, and affordability analyses.
• Prepare detailed credit appraisal reports for approval.
• Ensure compliance with Dorset's credit policies and underwriting guidelines.
• Inspect collateral and arrange valuations where required.
• Verify ownership, documentation, and insurance compliance.
• Ensure all security documents are complete before disbursement.
• Monitor loan repayments and proactively follow up on overdue accounts.
• Support recoveries efforts in collaboration with the Branch Manager.
• Maintain excellent portfolio quality through responsible lending and ongoing client engagement.
• Provide exceptional service to all walk-in and referred clients.
• Educate clients on Dorset's products, loan terms, and repayment obligations.
• Handle client queries professionally and promptly.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on loan applications, disbursements, pipeline, and collections.
• Provide updates to the Branch Manager on performance and market trends.

• Strong understanding of secured lending and credit evaluation
• Strong communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with the Copperbelt market (added advantage)

• Diploma or Degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years' experience in lending, credit assessment, microfinance, banking, or related roles