Loan Officer

Job Title: Loan Officer

Duty Station: Hawi Al Hawa Center

Direct Supervisor (per organizational structure): Loan Coordinator

Direct Reports: None

Job Summary:

The Loan Officer is responsible for following up on and delivering the project’s financial services, and for supporting the credit team in assessing projects and analyzing the financial structures of loans. The Loan Officer acts as the link between beneficiaries and the organization, and contributes to implementing and following up on the recommendations of the structuring study throughout the project’s implementation period.

Responsibilities:

• Review and verify all loan applications to ensure they are complete and accurate.
• Prepare and share lists of applicants and planned visits with field partners in line with the work plan.
• Develop detailed visit work plans in collaboration with field assistants, the center manager and the Loan Coordinator, based on the lists shared in the loan management system.
• Conduct social verification checks in coordination with field assistants to confirm the accuracy of applicants’ information.
• Supervise and take part in site monitoring visits with field assistants while the credit report is completed during visits.
• Monitor borrowers in arrears and ensure timely follow-up, providing regular updates to the direct supervisor.
• Provide technical and behavioral guidance to field assistants on visit protocols and data collection for registering beneficiaries according to project priorities.
• Maintain regular communication with borrowers and beneficiaries to provide updates, guidance and support.
• Ensure full adherence to credit policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance requirements.
• Assess applicants’ financial eligibility and loan feasibility in collaboration with the Loan Coordinator.
• Oversee follow-up visits and loan restructuring when needed.
• Introduce and explain lending and repayment policies to borrowers during loan disbursement.
• Ensure that all lending activities comply with internal policies, donor requirements, and local laws and regulations.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the direct supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in loan processing, credit management, financial product development or loan review.
• Experience in agricultural loans and the agricultural sector is highly preferred.
• In-depth understanding of direct and indirect lending practices, credit assessment and loan documentation procedures.
• Knowledge of financial compliance rules and risk management standards.
• Familiarity with loan management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relevant financial software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to travel frequently to field sites.