About This Role
This is a frontline lending role at a micro-credit institution, where you will be the primary point of contact between the company and borrowers in the Jimma area. The job sits at the intersection of sales and risk management — you are expected to grow the loan book while keeping defaults low. Micro-credit providers in Ethiopia serve small business owners, farmers, and informal traders, so much of your day involves field visits and community engagement rather than desk work.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The junior-level framing with 1–3 years of experience suggests the employer wants someone who has already handled loan files independently but still has room to be shaped by the company's own credit methodology. The emphasis on portfolio quality in the job purpose signals that this is not a pure business-development role — they need someone comfortable saying no to weak applicants and following up persistently on late payments. Given the location, familiarity with the local economy and language of the Jimma zone will likely matter as much as formal credentials.
How to Approach This Application
Highlight any hands-on experience with loan processing, client vetting, or repayment follow-up — even internships or short stints count here. If you have worked in or near Jimma or speak Afaan Oromo fluently, make that visible early in your CV, because branch-level roles depend heavily on local trust networks. Demonstrate that you understand the tension between hitting disbursement targets and protecting portfolio quality; employers in micro-finance are wary of officers who chase volume at the expense of repayment rates.
Who This Role Suits
Best suited to early-career finance or economics graduates who are comfortable with fieldwork and community-facing work, and who see themselves building a career in micro-finance or retail banking. Competition is likely moderate — the location outside Addis may thin the applicant pool, which works in your favor if you are genuinely willing to be based in Jimma.
1. Job Purpose
The Branch Loan Officer is responsible for managing and supporting the branch's lending operations by identifying potential borrowers, assessing loan applications, facilitating loan disbursements, monitoring repayments, managing client relationships, and ensuring the quality of the branch loan portfolio.
The position plays a key role in achieving branch lending targets while maintaining sound credit practices, minimizing portfolio risk, and ensuring compliance with the Company's policies and procedures.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Loan Origination and Customer Acquisition
- Identify and attract potential borrowers within the branch's target market.
- Promote the Company's loan products and explain their terms and conditions to prospective clients.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers.
- Conduct field visits and customer assessments as required.
- Support the branch in achieving approved loan disbursement and customer acquisition targets.
B. Loan Assessment and Processing
- Receive and review loan applications and supporting documents.
- Conduct customer interviews and field assessments to evaluate the applicant's business, income, repayment capacity, and creditworthiness.
- Verify customer information and supporting documents.
- Prepare accurate loan appraisal and credit assessment reports.
- Ensure that loan applications meet the Company's eligibility and credit requirements before submission for approval.
- Follow up on pending loan applications and ensure timely processing.
C. Loan Disbursement
- Coordinate approved loans for timely disbursement.
- Ensure that all required documentation and approval requirements are completed before disbursement.
- Explain repayment schedules, loan terms, and customer obligations to borrowers.
- Ensure that customers understand their responsibilities under the loan agreement.
D. Portfolio and Repayment Monitoring
- Monitor the repayment performance of assigned customers and the branch loan portfolio.
- Conduct regular customer follow-ups to ensure timely repayment.
- Identify early signs of repayment difficulties and report them promptly to the Branch Manager.
- Follow up on overdue and delinquent loans in accordance with Company procedures.
- Support collection and recovery activities for overdue loans.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer and loan records.
E. Branch Portfolio Management
- Monitor the quality and performance of the assigned loan portfolio.
- Prepare and submit regular reports on loan disbursement, collection, outstanding balances, and portfolio performance.
- Support the Branch Manager in analyzing portfolio performance and identifying areas requiring improvement.
- Maintain appropriate documentation for all loan transactions and customer interactions.
- Ensure proper custody and confidentiality of customer and loan information.
F. Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure all lending activities comply with the Company's credit policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Follow approved credit assessment and approval procedures.
- Identify and report potential credit, operational, or fraud risks.
- Maintain confidentiality of customer and Company information.
- Cooperate with internal audit, compliance, risk, and other control functions when required.
- Report suspected irregularities or violations through the appropriate channels.
G. Customer Service
- Provide professional and timely service to customers.
- Respond to customer inquiries regarding loans, repayments, account information, and related services.
- Handle customer complaints appropriately and escalate unresolved matters to the relevant supervisor.
- Maintain positive and professional relationships with customers and community stakeholders.
H. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
- Maintain complete and accurate loan files and customer records.
- Provide timely information to the Branch Manager and relevant departments.
- Ensure that all required documents are properly filed and readily accessible.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education Background: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Experience: 1 years Relevant experience in microfinance, banking, credit, lending, or financial services is preferred.
- Good knowledge of loan processing, credit assessment, customer relationship management, and collection practices.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Good communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork and interact effectively with customers.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should send their resumes along with a cover letter to our HR department at hr.admin@digafcredit.com no later than 10 days. Please specify the position and location you are applying for in the subject line of your email.
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