Assistant General Manager – Group Credit

PURPOSE:

The role is responsible for managing the credit exposure of clients within the group – not limited to East Africa. Responsibilities include credit analysis, credit approval, and active monitoring of the portfolio to identify and mitigate credit risks. The role holder will work in conjunction with other credit functions within the group in arriving at informed decisions through an understanding of the credit, structure and profitability features of each relationship.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Automation & Streamlining of the credit underwriting process across the Group.
• Analyze, structure and execute large and complex credits; facilitate annual credit reviews of the same.
• Manage a portfolio of credits within the Groups client base according to laid out portfolio parameters.
• Promote the development of good client relationships in line with the Group’s portfolio strategy and norms.
• Provide independent &/ consultative credit risk sign-off on credits and deal driven credit requests, or recommend for approval to approving authority(s)
• Lead and coordinate a group of analysts across the regions, ensuring quality assurance and timely delivery, while being responsible for their coaching, training, mentoring and supervision.
• Provide Independent credit risk support to Product and Relationship partners in the Group through the provision of an efficient and effective credit process; advice on origination and structuring of credits; and guidance on industry and geographic related trends and developments.
• Provide risk guidance and coaching to members of the Regional Credit team and to business partners.
• Ensure that the credit process is compliant with the institutional norms and requirements including but not limited to internal audit, external auditors and regulators.
• Demonstrate technical expertise, strong understanding of products and associated risks
• Work closely with the Regional Credit functions to assist in all regulatory requirements and regulatory requests for East Africa, including any credit risk aspects of subsidiary submissions to the Regulator.
• Legal, Regulatory, Compliance proficiency in supervising and managing fiduciary, disclosure, legal/regulatory documentation as appropriate
• Understanding of the countries covered, including the respective local market, key clients, local market conditions and the capabilities and practices of our competitors.
• Create and sustain a network of strong partnerships with the business (relationship and product management) and other risk functions
• Support in activities impacting regulatory requirement and credit risk, for example Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Plan (ICAAP), IFRS9 activities, and other Basel related activities.
• Maintaining and developing own knowledge and understanding of I&M Group credit policies and procedures
• Managing deteriorating credits (including preparation of classified reports and setting of triggers and action plans)
• Using various systems, resources and tools, perform portfolio management tasks including portfolio reporting, rapid portfolio reviews, stress tests and regulatory reporting
• Managing change – identifying new/best practices – implementing such changes, working as a team
• From time to time, undertaking certain ad hoc projects; participating in Fundamental Credit Reviews and Line Reviews; providing training on Risk topics to colleagues

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Competencies:

• Excellent analytical and structuring skills - Able to manage large volume deal flow; Proficient analytical skills that are applicable across different industries, products and customer classes. Coach, mentor and lead direct reports to develop team strengths and improve on weaknesses.
• Problem Recognition - Ability to proactively manage risk and identify negative trends.
• Training and Coaching – ability to effectively coach and train direct reports/juniors.
• Macroeconomic and Political Environment - Proactively and transparently adjusts risk appetite for changes in country risk.
• Decision-Making and Approval: Makes decisions (using well-reasoned judgment) under pressure and in a timely manner. Focuses and guides the priorities of others; Incorporates capital and P&L implications into decision-making process;
• Solid organizational skills with ability and willingness to work under pressure and manages time and priorities effectively

Academic Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree
• Additional risk training/qualification an advantage
• Appropriate Post-Graduate qualification will be an advantage
• Fluent English (read, write and speak)