Job Details

Job Description

CREDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Job Title: Credit and Risk Management Officer

Job Type: Full time (12 months fixed-term contract)

Location: Zambia Lusaka

JOB PURPOSE

AFAP is a dynamic non-profit social enterprise devoted to fostering robust fertilizer and agri-inputs markets across Africa through sustainable projects and market-driven business solutions in agricultural inputs and agribusiness sectors.

Our multifaceted approach encompasses policy and regulatory reform, capacity building, financial credit provision, and data-based market intelligence development. Leveraging our technical expertise and entrepreneurial innovation, we enhance the fertilizer and agribusiness value chain by connecting African Hub Agro-dealers and Smallholder Farmers with global resources, technologies, and financing providers.

To ensure that the credit policies and procedures are adhered to, that potential risks are identified and mitigated effectively and planned tasks for the TCGP are carried out. The responsibilities outlined below shall be coordinated closely with the Approved Suppliers extending trade credit to approved hub agrodealers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hub Agrodealer Credit Assessment and Approvals:

• Conducts thorough assessments of approved hub agrodealer creditworthiness to determine their ability to repay trade credit extended. This will entail analyse financial statements, credit history, and other relevant information to make informed decisions about approving or declining trade credit provision.

Credit Monitoring and Control:

• Once credit has been extended to hub agrodealers, the officer will closely monitor their payment behaviour. This entails ensuring that the hub agrodealers adhere to agreed-upon payment terms, track outstanding balances, and follow up on overdue payments.

Collection and Debt Recovery:

• The officer shall be responsible for implementing effective debt collection strategies to recover outstanding payments from hub agrodealers. Working closely with the Suppliers who have extended the subject credit, they may establish payment plans, negotiate settlements, or, if necessary, initiate legal action to recover unpaid debts.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation:

• The officer will proactively identify potential risks associated with credit transactions and develop strategies to minimize these risks. This includes monitoring market trends, assessing industry-specific risks, and evaluating the creditworthiness of existing hub agrodealers to mitigate potential financial losses. This may apply, but not limited to, governments subsidy interventions, new technologies or products that may have a disruptive effect in the market.

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Work closely with the HQ-based Financial Services Director, the officer will help review and develop in-country credit control policies and procedures to ensure alignment with AFAP’s overall risk management strategy. This will also ensure that AFAP staff involved in the program understand and adhere to these policies, which helps maintain consistency, align with the ONE AFAP concept and reduce the organization’s exposure to credit-related risks.

Reporting and Analysis:

• The officer shall provide regular reports on credit control and risk management metrics, including key performance indicators, doubtful debt analysis, aging debtor analysis. These reports help management report back to financiers, make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and assess the overall effectiveness of credit control measures.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills, ensuring effective interaction with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Outstanding attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in all aspects of work.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, anticipating needs and providing innovative solutions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business studies with a major in Finance, Banking, Accounting, or Commerce.
• Studies in Agribusiness would be an added advantage.
• 5 years of experience in a busy Credit Control / Oversight in a busy corporate environment engaged in trading, commerce, banking enterprise.

TO APPLY:

If your qualifications align with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to apply. Please send your CV, a one-page cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, and your salary expectations to [email protected] use the position and country as your reference in the email address subject line. The application deadline is 15 August 2024 .

NB: Use the position and country as your reference in the email address subject line.

Please note, only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted. We appreciate your interest in becoming part of the AFAP team.