Head of Credit Job Vacancy

Job Overview

Pesapal is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Credit to lead and scale its merchant lending business in Nairobi. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned credit professional to build and execute the company's lending strategy while leveraging fintech innovation and data-driven decision-making.

The successful candidate will oversee credit strategy, portfolio growth, underwriting frameworks, risk management, capital planning, and regulatory compliance to support the expansion of Pesapal's merchant financing solutions across its markets.

Position Summary

The Head of Credit will be responsible for developing credit policies, scaling the merchant loan portfolio, leading underwriting and collections teams, implementing data-driven credit models, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining a healthy loan portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Growth

• Develop and execute strategies to safely grow the merchant lending portfolio across multiple markets.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve credit policies and risk management frameworks for MSME lending.
• Partner with executive leadership to secure funding through debt facilities, banking partnerships, and other financing arrangements.
• Build and lead a high-performing credit department comprising underwriting, data science, operations, and collections teams.

Credit Risk & Underwriting

• Develop alternative data-driven credit scoring models using transaction and merchant performance data.
• Lead the Credit Committee and review high-value lending decisions.
• Monitor portfolio performance using portfolio analytics, vintage analysis, transition matrices, and early warning systems.
• Continuously optimize underwriting models to maintain low Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratios.

Operations & Collections

• Ensure clear separation between underwriting, lending operations, and collections functions.
• Design and optimize automated collections processes and recovery strategies.
• Improve collection efficiency while maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Monitor loan recovery performance and minimize portfolio risk.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Central Bank regulations, Digital Credit Provider requirements, AML/KYC standards, and data protection laws.
• Maintain strong governance, internal controls, and risk management practices.
• Support regulatory reporting and audit requirements across all operating markets.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, FRM, Certified Credit Analyst, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in credit risk management, commercial lending, or digital lending.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role such as Head of Credit, Senior Credit Manager, or Chief Risk Officer.
• Proven experience within a fintech company, digital lender, or commercial bank specializing in digital or MSME lending.
• Strong understanding of credit risk management, portfolio management, and automated lending solutions.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership and business growth capabilities.
• Strong expertise in credit risk assessment and portfolio management.
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical thinking.
• Knowledge of algorithmic credit scoring and fintech lending models.
• Capital planning and funding strategy experience.
• Strong leadership, people management, and change management skills.
• Deep understanding of MSME financing and regional financial markets.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.

Why Join Pesapal?

Pesapal offers an opportunity to lead one of the region's most innovative digital lending businesses. The successful candidate will work with cutting-edge financial technology, drive strategic portfolio growth, influence lending innovation, and contribute to expanding financial inclusion across multiple African markets.

Job Details

• Position: Head of Credit
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Location: Nairobi
• Experience: 8–10 Years

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official recruitment portal below.

Application Link: https://pesapal.careers-page.com

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