Relationship Officer - Intern

Role Overview

This entry-level lending position places you on the front lines of our credit operations, where you will guide clients from initial inquiry through loan disbursement and manage ongoing repayment relationships. You will be the primary point of contact for borrowers, ensuring they experience a smooth, transparent process while protecting the institution’s portfolio through diligent follow-up and collection efforts. Success in this role means balancing customer advocacy with financial responsibility, laying the groundwork for a long-term career in banking or microfinance.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and engage prospective borrowers through referrals, outreach, and existing client networks to grow the lending portfolio.
• Conduct initial eligibility conversations, explain loan products, and gather the necessary documentation to move applications forward.
• Assess each applicant's repayment capacity and provide accurate information to underwriting or credit committees.
• Disburse approved loans in accordance with institutional procedures and ensure all legal and regulatory paperwork is completed correctly.
• Maintain consistent contact with active borrowers to confirm repayment schedules, address concerns early, and prevent delinquency.
• Negotiate revised payment plans or recovery arrangements with clients facing financial difficulty, always aiming for a win-win resolution.
• Track daily, weekly, and monthly disbursement and collection targets, documenting progress in the institution's systems.
• Deliver a courteous, professional experience at every touchpoint, resolving client complaints quickly and escalating issues only when necessary.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, economics, accounting, or a related field.
• Up to six months of practical experience as a loan officer, collections officer, or relationship officer; internships or structured fieldwork are acceptable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex terms in plain language.
• Demonstrated customer service mindset — patient, empathetic, and solution-oriented even under pressure.
• Proven negotiation skills, including the ability to influence repayment behavior while preserving long-term client relationships.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with loan management software is a plus.