Group Lending Loan Officer

Group Lending Officer

Role Overview

This position owns the day-to-day relationship between the organisation and its group-lending clients. You will build and support borrower groups, guide them through loan cycles, and keep repayments on track through regular field visits and group meetings. The role matters because successful group lending depends on trust, discipline, and early action when repayment risks begin to appear.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, recruit, and screen potential group members, helping form cohesive groups that meet eligibility and lending criteria.
• Facilitate group meetings and loan orientation sessions, explaining loan terms, repayment schedules, and member responsibilities.
• Collect and review loan applications, verify member details, and prepare recommendations for credit approval.
• Monitor group loan performance, track repayments, and follow up promptly on late payments or early warning signs.
• Conduct regular field visits to borrower businesses or homes to confirm loan use and assess ongoing repayment capacity.
• Maintain accurate loan files, group registers, and activity reports in line with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Coach groups on financial discipline, record-keeping, and conflict resolution so they can manage internal group dynamics.
• Support loan disbursement, collection, and closure processes, ensuring all documentation is complete and compliant.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A diploma or bachelor’s degree in business, finance, management, economics, or a related field.
• At least two years of hands-on experience in group lending, microfinance, community banking, or a comparable lending environment.
• Practical knowledge of group loan methodologies, including group formation, joint liability, and repayment monitoring.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills to assess repayment capacity, review loan applications, and spot portfolio risks.
• Confident communication and facilitation skills for leading group meetings with diverse clients.
• Ability to work independently in the field, manage a schedule of visits, and handle sensitive client conversations.
• Proficiency in basic office software and loan management systems for record-keeping and reporting.
• Familiarity with local market conditions and the regulatory framework for microcredit or group lending is an advantage.