Credit Risk Manager

Company: Oya Microcredit Ltd Location: Nairobi Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: CEO

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the credit risk assessment process, ensuring all loan applications are thoroughly evaluated.
• Guide and supervise Credit Risk Analysts in analyzing financial statements, cash flows, leverage ratios, and collateral adequacy.

• Review and approve credit appraisal reports, ensuring quality and consistency in risk analysis.
• Establish and enforce appropriate credit limits, terms, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Monitor the loan portfolio and proactively identify early warning signs of default.
• Ensure full compliance with internal credit policies and regulatory requirements.

• Continuously review and enhance credit risk frameworks, policies, and scoring models.
• Stay updated on legal, regulatory, and market risk developments affecting the business.

• Prepare and present comprehensive risk reports and recommendations to senior management.
• Collaborate closely with Call Center, Operations, Portfolio, and Finance teams to effectively manage portfolio risk.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Credit Risk team to drive performance and accountability.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, or a related field (mandatory).
• Professional certification in Credit Risk Management is an added advantage.

• CPA (K) qualification is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a managerial/supervisory role, leading a team.

• At least 2 years’ experience in a microcredit or financial institution in the same or similar role.
• Strong understanding of credit reporting systems and practices.

• Proven experience in credit analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and drive performance of Credit Risk Analysts and the Credit Department.
• Credit Risk Analysis & Assessment: Strong capability to evaluate loan applications, analyze financial statements, and assess creditworthiness.

• Portfolio Monitoring & Risk Mitigation: Proactively monitor loan portfolios, identify early warning signs, and implement strategies to manage risk.
• Decision Making & Problem Solving: Make informed credit decisions, balance growth with risk, and resolve complex credit challenges effectively.

• Communication & Reporting Skills: Clear and professional communication with management, clients, and internal teams; prepares detailed risk reports.
• Compliance & Ethical Standards: Ensures adherence to internal credit policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical practices.

• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Interpret financial and portfolio data, identify trends, and contribute to risk frameworks
• Collaboration: Works effectively with Operations, Portfolio, Finance, and other teams to manage portfolio risk.

• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Ensures precision in credit appraisal, reporting, and compliance checks.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic financial environment and embraces continuous learning.