Chief Credit Officer Job Announcement

Vacancy Number:  010810CCO
Post Title:  Chief Credit Officer
Duty Station:  Kabul Afghanistan
Duration:  Permanent
No. of Post:  One
Closing Date:  Aug 31, 2010

Background: 
Small Enterprise Assistance Funds ("SEAF") is a global investment firm focused on providing growth capital and operational support to businesses in emerging markets and those underserved by traditional sources of capital.
SEAF’s Afghan Growth Finance (SEAF-AGF), a leading financial institution dedicated to the support and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan, is seeking experienced and qualified individuals to fill the following positions:

Chief Credit Officer
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Credit will manage SEAF-AGF’s growing SME lending activities throughout the country.  The position allows the successful candidate to be part of the senior management team, interface directly with AGF’s international investment committee and SEAF headquarters and play a major role in the company’s continued development and expansion.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership for the SME credit teams both at Head office in Kabul and respective business units, including regional offices.
• Monitor effectiveness of existing credit policies/procedures relating to SME lending and make recommendations for review and revision.
• Lead the structuring of investment term sheets and investment memorandums.
• Prepare materials and presentations for the international investment committee.
• Lead credit discussions in monthly SEAF Portfolio Management Committee calls.
• Develop/maintain effective monitoring mechanisms on portfolio performance including risk/return management and compliance requirements.
• Maintain balance between growth and quality of lending assets in accordance with company-set benchmarks.
• Facilitate efficient due diligence and decision-making processes through use of Information Technology, appropriate use of delegated discretions, training, and regular review of internal structures/systems to support business needs.
• Manage the collection of accounts and assignment of delinquencies for legal proceedings.
• Provide training and capacity building to credit teams.
• Ensure maintenance of strong customer service through effective relationship management with clients.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications Required:
• A degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics from a recognized university. An MBA or professional   qualification in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years lending/investment experience, 3 of which should have been as Senior Credit Analyst or Portfolio Manager
• Experience in general financial institution operations in a Management capacity
• Knowledge of Afghanistan banking laws and the legal framework around lending policies.
• Experience in portfolio risk management
• Strong financial analysis skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to speak and/or understand Dari, Pashto, English