Credit Analyst

Job description
About the role
The Credit Analyst supports the growth and quality of Root Capital’s credit portfolio by collaborating with the Portfolio Manager and Loan Officers in gathering, verifying and conducting financial and credit analysis of potential loans from rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs). S/he will also monitor the quality of outstanding loans.
Responsibilities:

Credit Analysis (60%)

Support the Portfolio Manager / Loan Officer to collect, verify and analyze information for potential or actual credits in priority areas, mainly in sustainable agriculture.
Prepare along with the Portfolio Manager / Loan Officers, the credit proposals/memos, for presentation and consideration by the credit committee. Deliver additional reports, regarding operations as required by Portfolio Manager.
Collaborate with designated team members in the organization to negotiate structure and legally document the loan documents. Support the closing process of each approved credit.
Maintain relations with the client, as necessary and continuous monitoring of the activities for the approved credits, according to the procedures established by Root Capital.

Monitoring (40%)

Collaborate with the Portfolio Manager review to update the qualification of risk during the analysis of the credit proposal and during the life of the loan once it is disbursed.
Analyze periodic monitoring reports from designated clients, third party monitors and discuss with the Risk Manager.
Support the execution of “due diligence” of businesses in every stage of the loan’s application, to ensure well-informed decision-making and qualification of the risk involved.
Critically analyze the financial statements and apply financial, commercial, environmental and social criteria to the actual and considered credits, providing recommendation for payment and monitoring the repayment of the loans disbursed.
Ensure client covenant compliance in line with loan agreement/approved terms and conditions.

Skills and Experience
Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Banking, Business Administration or related field required.
3-5 years’ experience in financial and credit analysis in East Africa required.
Experience with small and medium enterprise (SME) or agricultural lending is desirable.

Skills Required:

2 years’ experience in SME financial and credit analysis desired.
Ability to understand and learn the organization’s credit policies and credit analysis is a requirement.
Strong experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary. Additional knowledge of financial software is a plus.
Ability to handle confidential information about the transactions and business activities of Root Capital and our clients.
Strong interest in the field of social impact investing. Passionate about supporting the advancement of Root Capital’s mission of growing prosperity in rural communities in Africa.
Willingness to travel to rural areas of East Africa.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of stakeholders across multiple geographies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required
Excellent attention to detail.
Proactive, service-oriented attitude.
Strong attitude towards compliance
Authorized to work in Kenya

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Domestic and international travel, up to 25% of the time, often to remote regions with limited medical, transport, communications and lodging facilities