SME Clinic

On behalf of its client, a leading licensed microfinance institution dedicated to providing inclusive financial services, is recruiting experienced Loan Officers to support its’ agricultural and agri‑business lending portfolio. The successful candidates will be responsible for originating, analysing and managing group‑based agriculture loans to small‑holder farmers, agro‑dealers and VSLAs, ensuring that loans are disbursed ethically and efficiently and that clients receive support and training throughout the credit life‑cycle. This role requires significant experience in agricultural finance and group lending, and strong field work capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Client selection and loan processing. Conduct preliminary screening of agriculture loan applicants and assess their creditworthiness by reviewing financial statements, credit reports and other documents. Process loan applications and supporting documentation within established guidelines to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Field visits and appraisal. Collaborate with government extension planning areas (EPAs) and agronomists to inspect farming operations, assess risk profiles and verify that group members meet eligibility criteria. Conduct interviews with applicants to evaluate their financial eligibility and repayment capacity.
• Advisory and training. Advise clients on available agriculture loan products that best suit their needs and provide financial planning and advisory services to ensure effective use of borrowed funds. Train clients and solidarity groups in group dynamics, business management and credit management.
• Loan structuring and documentation. Structure loan options and terms that align with the borrower’s needs and risk appetite. Prepare and submit loan documentation for review and approval by credit committees. Finalise loan contracts and educate clients on policies, restrictions and repayment requirements.
• Portfolio monitoring and collections. Monitor ongoing agriculture loan accounts to ensure compliance with loan agreements and timely repayments. Maintain updated records of loans, client contacts and repayment schedules, and collect debts using approved channels. Follow up with delinquent clients, recommend preventive actions on declining enterprises and assist with advanced loan recoveries.
• Stakeholder engagement. Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, agricultural businesses, community leaders and EPAs. Conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns to promote agriculture loan products and financial literacy.
• Compliance and reporting. Ensure all lending activities comply with internal policies, industry regulations and ethical standards. Prepare regular reports on loan portfolio performance, client training and field activities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy or a related field. A diploma in Microfinance, Business Administration or a related discipline with strong agricultural experience will also be considered.
• Experience. At least three years’ proven work experience in microfinance or banking as a loan officer with significant exposure to group lending. Experience in agricultural lending and familiarity with rural small‑holder farmers is essential.
• Technical skills.
  • Solid understanding of credit analysis, agricultural production and risk management. Loan officers should be ready and willing to spend most of their time in the field and cope with rural working conditions.
  • Ability to prepare and analyse cash flows, balance sheets and repayment plans; proficiency with spreadsheets and banking software.
  • Good knowledge of group lending methodologies, including solidarity group formation, training and mentoring.
• Soft skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to speak local languages is critical for rural engagements.
  • Strong judgment, integrity and decision‑making skills.
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends and in remote areas.
  • A customer‑centric attitude and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Ability to ride a motorcycle with a valid rider’s permit for field mobility.

Desirable Attributes

• Women and Youth Empowerment. Experience working with women‑led groups, youth organisations or VSLAs.
• Digital proficiency. Familiarity with mobile money platforms, digital loan applications and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Agricultural extension knowledge. Practical experience in crop or livestock production and ability to provide basic agronomic advice to clients.

• Conduct preliminary screening of agriculture loan applicants and assess their creditworthiness by reviewing financial statements, credit reports and other documents. Process loan applications and supporting documentation within established guidelines to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Collaborate with government extension planning areas (EPAs) and agronomists to inspect farming operations, assess risk profiles and verify that group members meet eligibility criteria. Conduct interviews with applicants to evaluate their financial eligibility and repayment capacity.
• Advise clients on available agriculture loan products that best suit their needs and provide financial planning and advisory services to ensure effective use of borrowed funds. Train clients and solidarity groups in group dynamics, business management and credit management.
• Structure loan options and terms that align with the borrower’s needs and risk appetite. Prepare and submit loan documentation for review and approval by credit committees. Finalise loan contracts and educate clients on policies, restrictions and repayment requirements.
• Monitor ongoing agriculture loan accounts to ensure compliance with loan agreements and timely repayments. Maintain updated records of loans, client contacts and repayment schedules, and collect debts using approved channels. Follow up with delinquent clients, recommend preventive actions on declining enterprises and assist with advanced loan recoveries.
• Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, agricultural businesses, community leaders and EPAs. Conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns to promote agriculture loan products and financial literacy.
• Ensure all lending activities comply with internal policies, industry regulations and ethical standards. Prepare regular reports on loan portfolio performance, client training and field activities.

• Solid understanding of credit analysis, agricultural production and risk management.
• Ability to prepare and analyse cash flows, balance sheets and repayment plans; proficiency with spreadsheets and banking software.
• Good knowledge of group lending methodologies, including solidarity group formation, training and mentoring.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to speak local languages is critical for rural engagements.
• Strong judgment, integrity and decision‑making skills.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends and in remote areas.
• A customer‑centric attitude and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle with a valid rider’s permit for field mobility.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy or a related field. A diploma in Microfinance, Business Administration or a related discipline with strong agricultural experience will also be considered.
• At least three years’ proven work experience in microfinance or banking as a loan officer with significant exposure to group lending.
• Experience in agricultural lending and familiarity with rural small‑holder farmers is essential.