Specifically, the position responsibilities include:

• Lending Strategy Development: Formulate, communicate, and execute Lending strategies aligned with the organization’s objectives and risk tolerance. Identify market trends, opportunities, and potential risks to drive informed Lending decisions.
• Team Leadership: Provide strong leadership to the Lending team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. Set performance expectations, provide coaching and mentorship, and ensure professional growth of team members.
• Risk Management: Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential losses. Work closely with the risk management team to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.
• Client Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their Lending preferences and long-term financial goals. Provide transparent communication and updates on portfolio performance.
• Performance Reporting: Prepare regular Lending performance reports and present them to senior management, clients, and stakeholders. Use data-driven insights to illustrate the effectiveness of Lending strategies.
• Financial Forecasting: Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to develop financial models, forecasts, and projections related to Lending activities. Ensure accurate budgeting and resource allocation.
• Compliance and Ethics: Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in all Lending activities. Uphold the highest level of integrity and professionalism in all interactions.

Expansion & External Relations

• In consultation with the Regional Portfolio Director, develop the refugee program and SMEs lending expansion strategies in Ethiopia.
•  Setting up Ethiopia lending training and coaching all lending teams  while maintaining a health portfolio in Ethiopia.
• Implement refugee lending expansion in Ethiopia and work in deep collaboration with Ethiopia’s Managing Director.
• Support government relations, legal registration, and compliance with local lending regulation;
• Lead all Inkomoko Ethiopia lending staff across the locations, setting Goals, performance reviews, and maintaining strong oversight to produce deliverables for various stakeholders.
•  Plan and manage the budget, staffing, and other resources to effectively deliver lending program outcomes in Ethiopia.
• Ensure lending in Ethiopia programs comply with applicable donors and local laws and central bank of Ethiopia (CBE) regulation.
• Represent Inkomoko at relevant external meetings, including taking initiative to identify opportunities for outreach, collaboration, and partnerships that can support and accelerate Inkomoko growth.
• Communicate effectively with donors and other stakeholders to ensure relationships are developed and maintained that promote program and organizational success.
• Regular travel to country offices and other events required by the Regional Portfolio Director.

Portfolio Management

• Offer excellent customer service through daily conversations, correspondence, and site visits as needed to maintain strong positive relationships with borrowers.
• Work with the Business Development Services team to ensure borrower success, and Visit clients for monitoring.
• Track information about borrowers and communicate effectively with key stakeholders about client status.
• Actively participate as key staff in the weekly Portfolio Review Meeting.
• Maintain a tracking system of borrower payments and contact information.
• Interact with government leaders, the court system, refugee has and host communities’ stakeholders and others for follow up on lack of payments.
• Ensure that all lending staff in Ethiopia are adhering to the requirements of our Kiva partnership, including reporting and journaling.
• Active monitoring of loan repayments and overall performance.
• Loan assessment, appraisal, and disbursement.
• Chairing credit/facility committees under the Head of investment’s approval rights,
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or advanced degrees in finance or risk management is  a plus.
• 8+years of extensive experience in lending, credit risk management, and financial services, preferably in a leadership role. Demonstrated success in developing and executing lending strategies and managing loan portfolios.
• In-depth understanding of lending products, credit risk assessment, loan underwriting, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiar with financial analysis, loan pricing models, and industry trends.
• Strong leadership and management abilities to motivate and guide a team of lending professionals. Excellent decision-making skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, risk assessment, and credit evaluation. Ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders. Strong presentation skills to convey lending strategies and portfolio performance to senior management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as clients, regulators, and industry peers. Strong negotiation and influencing skills to drive business growth and manage partnerships.