Loan Officer

Background:

The Jasiri Consortium, comprising Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS Kenya), Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), Collaborative Center for Gender and Development (CCGD), Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD), and Advocates for Social Change Kenya (ADSOCK), is jointly implementing the Jasiri Scale Up Program over a period of 5 years (2023-2028). The Jasiri program builds on the achievements of a pilot program implemented by the consortium during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the high incidences of gender-based violence (GBV). The program seeks to deepen meaningful and responsive financial support to the most at-risk young women who are survivors of GBV in 16 counties in Kenya through the Jasiri Fund – an affordable and accessible loan facility that seeks to strengthen survivors’ recovery and resilience. The fund targets women, young people, and persons with disabilities from vulnerable communities.

GROOTS Kenya seeks to recruit an experienced Loan Officer who will be dedicated to managing all aspects of the Jasiri Fund at the program management level, reporting to the Jasiri Fund Manager. The Loan Officer will also provide financial literacy training and business development support services to young women survivors of GBV.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Loan Processing and Management:
   • Assess loan applications from young women survivors of GBV, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria.
   • Conduct thorough appraisals of applicants’ financial status, business plans, and collateral to determine loan viability.
   • Manage the disbursement of loans, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and accurate.
   • Monitor and follow up on loan repayments, providing support and guidance to borrowers to ensure timely repayment.
2. Financial Literacy Training:
   • Develop and deliver financial literacy training programs tailored to the needs of young women survivors of GBV.
   • Train young women survivors of GBV on budgeting, saving, investment, and responsible borrowing to enhance their financial management skills.
   • Provide one-on-one financial counseling to young women survivors of GBV as needed.
3. Business Development Support:
   • Assist young women survivors of GBV in developing viable business plans and strategies for business growth.
   • Offer ongoing business development support, including mentorship, market research, and business expansion advice.
   • Connect young women survivors of GBV with relevant market opportunities and business networks to enhance their business prospects.
4. Client Relationship Management:
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with loaned participants, providing continuous support and addressing any challenges they face.
   • Conduct regular field visits to assess the progress of participants’ businesses and provide on-site support and guidance.
   • Collect and document success stories and challenges faced by young women survivors of GBV to inform program improvements.
5. Reporting and Compliance:
   • Prepare and submit regular reports on loan disbursement, repayment, and the financial performance.
   • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and donor requirements in all loan management activities.
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all loan transactions and interactions with the project participants.
6. Collaboration and Coordination:
   1. Work closely with the Jasiri Fund Manager and other team members to ensure the effective implementation of the Jasiri Fund.
   2. Collaborate with Jasiri Consortium partners and other stakeholders to enhance the support provided to young women survivors of GBV.
   3. Participate in relevant meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills.

7. Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related discipline.
2. At least 3 years of experience in loan management, microfinance, or financial inclusion programs, preferably in development programs focused on gender equality or economic empowerment.
3. Proven experience in financial literacy training and business development support.
4. Strong understanding of loan appraisal, disbursement, and repayment processes.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with beneficiaries.
6. Commitment to gender equality and women’s rights, with experience working with survivors of GBV or other marginalized populations.
7. Strong organizational and reporting skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
8. Fluency in English and Swahili.