Relationship Officer

Role Overview

The Relationship Officer or Relationship Intern builds and supports a portfolio of microfinance clients, from assessing loan applications and preparing recommendations to monitoring repayments and helping borrowers use credit responsibly. The role combines regular field engagement with careful credit administration, accurate T24 records and consistent attention to portfolio quality, client protection and VisionFund Kenya’s lending standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify prospective borrowers, understand their financial needs and explain suitable loan products, terms and repayment commitments; work toward agreed client, portfolio and product targets.
• Assess applicants using the 5Cs of credit, business and cash-flow reviews, income checks and repayment-capacity analysis, then prepare complete appraisal reports and recommendations for approval.
• Check applications and supporting documents against credit, KYC and group-lending requirements before disbursement, and keep client and loan files accurate and up to date.
• Track repayment schedules, follow up promptly on arrears and use T24 delinquency, client-status and group-status reports to inform lending, collection and recovery actions.
• Monitor individual and group portfolio performance, spot early signs of repayment difficulty or suspected fraud, and escalate concerns or coordinate follow-up with the Relationship Manager.
• Attend group meetings, maintain attendance records, review group commitments and ensure appraisal discussions and approvals are recorded in meeting minutes.
• Deliver required pre-loan and monthly post-loan sessions covering business management, financial literacy, responsible borrowing and repayment; provide relevant business and financial guidance.
• Conduct and document client business visits before and after disbursement, reconcile client and group information with system reports, and explain loan balances and repayment records clearly.
• Manage fieldwork and operating costs within approved budgets, contribute to income and borrower-growth objectives, and follow organizational policies on ethics, safeguarding, data protection and client cash handling.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma in Business Administration, Marketing, Sociology or a related discipline.
• For a Relationship Officer appointment, experience in microfinance, credit, sales, collections or customer relationship management is an advantage. For an internship, initiative, eagerness to learn and interest in microfinance and financial inclusion are important.
• Working knowledge of lending principles, credit assessment, client relationships and responsible lending.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability, sound judgment and skill in identifying credit risks and repayment capacity.
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills, including customer service and negotiation.
• Comfort working toward performance targets, both independently in the field and as part of a team.
• Computer literacy and readiness to learn financial platforms such as T24.
• Reliable, accurate and disciplined, with strong integrity and accountability.
• Availability for substantial field travel, approximately 70% of working time. Ability to ride a motorbike may be required, subject to appropriate licensing and safety requirements.
• Commitment to VisionFund Kenya’s Christian identity, organizational values and professional conduct standards.