CREDIT ASSESSMENT OFFICER

SUMMARY

The Credit Assessment Officer is accountable for the accurate, independent and timely assessment and adjudication of assigned credit applications, including the identification and mitigation of credit risk, appropriate facility structuring and risk based pricing, and compliance with delegated authority and policy, in order that the Bank grows its portfolio sustainably and achieves its Mission, Vision and Major Targets.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains the confidentiality, integrity and controlled handling of assigned credit applications, supporting financial information, assessment records and decision documentation in accordance with approved procedures.
• Approves credit applications and defined policy exceptions within the lending and exception limits formally delegated to the position. Recommends or refers all matters outside those limits to the Credit Assessment and Securities Manager.
• Engages branches, relationship officers, customers and relevant internal specialists to clarify credit information and may represent the Credit Assessment Unit at internal meetings when authorized by the Manager.
• Update, in conjunction with the Credit Assessment and Securities Manager, own Job Accountabilities and Performance Targets, ensuring alignment to the Department’s Strategic Plan and Balanced Scorecard.
• Develop, in conjunction with the Credit Assessment and Securities Manager, own Individual Development Plan (IDP) following the Performance Review as per the Performance Management System
• Develop, in conjunction with the Credit Assessment and Securities Manager, own Individual Development Plan (IDP) following the Performance Review as per the Performance Management System
• Analyze income, cash flow, financial statements, repayment capacity, indebtedness, credit history, industry and economic factors, collateral and other relevant risks to determine creditworthiness.
• Approve credit applications and defined policy exceptions within delegated lending and exception authority, clearly documenting the basis, conditions, risks and mitigants supporting each decision.
• Prepare clear recommendations for applications, exceptions or amendments outside delegated authority and submit them to the Credit Assessment and Securities Manager for review and further escalation where required.
• Confirm compliance with credit policy, product criteria, approval authorities, statutory requirements and applicable prudential standards, and promptly identify and escalate material breaches, inconsistencies or suspected misrepresentation.
• Communicate decisions, outstanding requirements and conditions of approval accurately and promptly to the relevant branch or business unit, and respond professionally to queries and requests for clarification.
• Follow up outstanding information and approval conditions, maintain complete assessment records, and ensure decisions and supporting rationale are accurately recorded in the relevant banking and document management systems.
• Monitor recurring exceptions, emerging risk indicators and trends identified through assessments and bring concerns, control weaknesses and opportunities for policy or process improvement to the Manager's attention.
• Contribute to portfolio reviews, quality assurance exercises, audit and regulatory requests, departmental reporting, team coaching and other credit risk initiatives assigned by the Manager.
• Prepare periodic portfolio reports as required
• Contribute to the preparation of the monthly Credit Assessment, Securities and Recoveries Department Performance Report in the Balanced Scorecard format, then attend the Department Meeting, ensuring diagnoses and corrective actions for any Credit Assessment, Securities and Recoveries related performance variances

REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma in Banking, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Risk Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant banking or financial services experience, including at least 2 years of practical experience in credit assessment, lending, underwriting, credit analysis or a closely related function.
• Experience assessing both consumer and business credit applications is preferred.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Credit analysis, financial statement analysis, cash flow assessment and evaluation of repayment capacity.
• Credit structuring, risk-based pricing, collateral evaluation and identification of appropriate risk mitigants.
• Clear analytical writing, decision documentation and professional communication.
• Sound numerical, investigative, problem solving and time management skills.
• Strong digital literacy, including core banking systems, credit tools, document management systems and spreadsheets.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and make consistent, evidence-based decisions within delegated authority.
• High integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, accountability and attention to detail.
• Sound judgement, professional skepticism and a prudent risk mindset.
• Customer focused, organised, responsive, collaborative and receptive to coaching.
• Calm and resilient when managing competing priorities or sensitive credit decisions.
  

Deadline: 12 October, 2026 |   Only suitable applicants will be acknowledged

Persons interested in this exciting opportunity should apply to:

Chief People Officer

1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited, P. O. Box 168, Castries

Integrity - Confidentiality… Accountability… Professionalism...Customer Centricity...Respect