Business Development Officers

Role Overview

Working within a microfinance institution, this role is centred on growing the lending portfolio through a steady stream of new clients while making sure every loan issued is thoroughly assessed and sustainable. Day to day, you will combine outbound business development with structured credit analysis: you will meet weekly origination targets, appraise loan requests, follow up with applicants, and maintain ongoing contact with clients, vendors and partners. You will also play a practical role in keeping repayments on schedule, identifying early collection risks, and supporting the broader profitability of the lending business.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate new loans by pursuing both volume and value targets on a weekly basis, helping the institution meet its overall lending goals.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through proactive prospecting, referrals, and networking with potential applicants.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with organisational business partners, vendors, and customers to secure repeat and referral business.
• Assess, appraise, and make recommendations on loan applications by evaluating applicants’ financial standing, creditworthiness, and any supporting collateral or property information.
• Prepare and review loan documentation, keeping credit files accurate, complete, and up to date throughout the loan life cycle.
• Create financial projections that support lending decisions, growth planning, and profitability targets.
• Monitor microfinance and economic developments, and prepare recommendations that help the institution adjust credit policy, product offerings, or market approach.
• Support prompt loan repayment and work on recoveries through structured follow-up, negotiation, and liaison with relevant service providers.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A diploma in a business-related field, such as business administration, finance, or commerce.
• Good negotiation skills, with the ability to work toward outcomes that protect both the client relationship and the institution's interests.
• Ability to handle confidential records and sensitive information with tact, discretion, and professional judgement.
• High level of integrity and dependability when dealing with customers, colleagues, and money-related processes.
• Proven ability to build and sustain effective working relationships in a multi-functional environment.
• Strong presentation skills and clear oral communication, with genuine enthusiasm for explaining loan products, terms, and requirements in an accessible and pleasant manner.