Relationship Officer -Credit

Role Overview

The Relationship Officer – Credit assesses SACCO loan applications, checks that supporting records are complete and reliable, and prepares cases for credit decisions in line with lending policy. The role also follows the quality of the loan portfolio after disbursement, supports members in understanding credit options, and helps protect the SACCO from avoidable lending risk, fraud, and poor documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather, verify, and assess applicants’ financial details, credit histories, statements, and collateral information to determine eligibility and repayment capacity.
• Appraise loan requests against the SACCO’s credit policies and procedures, ensuring each file is accurate and ready for review.
• Present and discuss applications with the Branch Credit Committee, updating risk assessments both during approval and throughout the life of a loan.
• Monitor assigned portfolio performance, including delinquency, loan-book quality, and PAR 30-day and PAR 90-day measures, and support efforts to reduce non-performing loans.
• Check lending and disbursement activity for compliance with credit procedures and carry out routine post-disbursement portfolio monitoring.
• Explain available credit facilities, eligibility conditions, and terms to members and prospective members; discuss repayment arrangements and credit limits, and submit agreed proposals to the Branch Manager.
• Confirm the identity of people presenting loan appraisal documents and apply KYC and anti-money-laundering checks to help detect fraud or forged records.
• Maintain orderly credit files, scan and upload department documents to the DMS, and identify suitable opportunities to introduce members to other SACCO products and services.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in a reputable financial institution; credit management experience is an advantage.
• A diploma in Credit Management, Business Management, Cooperative Management, Accountancy, Finance, Banking, or a related discipline; or a bachelor’s degree in Cooperative Studies, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Alternatively, relevant professional-level study such as CCP II, CPA II, or CIFA II. A professional certification, including Certified Credit Professional or Certified Public Accountant, is an added advantage.
• KCSE mean grade of C plain, with at least C plain in English and Mathematics.
• Strong attention to detail and organisation, with the ability to manage multiple tasks while safeguarding confidential information.
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills, a customer-aware and empathetic approach, and the ability to contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated integrity, fairness, transparency, initiative, and professional competence, with a self-directed and results-focused working style.