Head of Credit Risk

Our client is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Credit Risk to lead the design and implementation of their credit risk framework from the ground up. As a founding team member in a CBN-licensed Microfinance Bank, you will own the full credit lifecycle—from policy and product design to portfolio monitoring and recovery. You must have strong analytical instincts, deep regulatory awareness, and the drive to build sustainable credit operations in a startup environment.

Job Type: Full Time/Permanent

Workplace: Hybrid

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience in credit, risk management, or lending.
• Proven experience in credit risk assessment, policy formulation, and portfolio management.
• Bachelor's degree (required); a Masters degree or professional certification (e.g., CIBN, ICAN, ACCA, CRMP, PRM, or CFA) is an added advantage.
• In-depth understanding of CBN guidelines, internal control frameworks, AML, KYC, and risk management practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience designing and refining credit products for SMEs or individuals.
• Familiarity with credit bureau APIs, digital KYC tools, and loan management systems.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, tech-enabled environment.

Responsibilities

Credit Risk Management & Policy

• Develop and enforce a credit risk management framework aligned with CBN guidelines.
• Define credit policies, approval limits, risk appetite, and credit scoring rules.
• Maintain credit product documentation and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor key metrics (e.g., PAR, NPL ratios, write-offs) and proactively address emerging risks.
• Design early warning systems and stress-testing tools.
• Generate internal and external (e.g., CBN) risk reports and dashboards.

Product & Process Design

• Collaborate with Product, Tech, and Data teams to embed risk controls into loan origination and disbursement flows.
• Drive automation in credit scoring and decision-making, using credit bureau and behavioral data.

Collections & Recovery Strategy

• Design collections framework for pre-delinquency, early and late-stage arrears.
• Oversee recovery actions, including restructuring, write-offs, and legal escalation.

Team Leadership

• Build, lead, and mentor the credit operations team.
• Train credit officers on underwriting, monitoring, and collections best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and compensation package
• Full medical coverage
• Fully covered parental leave
• Leadership in a growing financial institution
• Smart, kind colleagues who’re invested in your growth