About Us

The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a development institution that finances early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.

Since 2008, we have invested over US$ 300 million in over 510 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Climate-smart Technologies. We have impacted more than 33 million lives, created over 35,000 jobs, and leveraged over US$ 838 million in matching funds to our portfolio companies.

AECF is headquartered in Kenya, with offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia.

About the role

AECF has over the years provided catalytic capital and technical assistance to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and has witnessed the MFIs extend their portfolios to customer segments deemed risky, specifically women and youth-owned micro and small businesses. We are launching a microfinance institution’s Working Capital Facility that will enhance MFIs’ access to local currency facilities with the objective of solving financial inclusion for MSMEs. This initiative will initially focus on the Kenyan market, with aspirations to go regional.

We are seeking a Credit Manager who will play a key role in evaluating the creditworthiness of MFIs and ensuring that lending operations align with the fund’s strategic objectives. This position requires strong analytical skills, experience in credit risk management, and the ability to work collaboratively with the Head of Investments—MFIs.

This role will report to the Head of Investments -MFIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement credit policies and procedures to manage and mitigate credit risk associated with MFI lending.
• Conduct thorough credit assessments of MFIs, including financial analysis, risk evaluation, and creditworthiness.
• Conduct due diligence and recommend approval of credit applications based on established criteria and risk appetite.
• Collaborate with the Head of Investments to structure credit facilities, including terms, covenants, and conditions, tailored to MFI needs and risk profiles.
• Review and negotiate credit agreements, ensuring that terms are clearly defined and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Support the structuring of credit deals by providing insights and recommendations on risk factors and mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure that facility/ies are structured and documented properly.
• Manage and oversee a portfolio of MFI credit exposures, ensuring effective monitoring and reporting.
• Develop and implement strategies to address underperforming credits and work with MFIs to resolve issues.
• Provide regular updates and reports on credit portfolio performance to Management.
• Track and analyze the performance of the portfolio, including MFI financials, repayment schedules, and overall credit risk.
• Provide recommendations for portfolio adjustments or interventions based on performance metrics and risk assessments.
• Communicate credit risk findings, recommendations, and status updates effectively to both internal teams and external partners.
• Develop and implement best practices for credit assessment, risk management, and portfolio oversight.
• Continuously review and enhance credit policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay informed about industry trends, credit risk management practices, and regulatory changes to inform strategies and practices.

Suitable candidates should:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, finance, or a related field. A master’s degree in business administration or finance will be an added advantage.
• Have professional certification such as CFA, CCP, or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of 8 years of experience in credit management, including credit analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management.
• Have a proven track record of working with MFIs or in the microfinance sector, with a solid understanding of credit processes and risk factors.
• Be able to demonstrate expertise in financial analysis, credit risk modeling, and risk evaluation.
• Have exceptional communication and presentation skills, with proficiency in English.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset and capacity to make informed decisions.