Credit & Analytics Lead

COMPANY INFORMATION

Our client is a technology driven financial services company that delivers digital banking and lending solutions to emerging markets. The organization operates across multiple regions including Africa, Asia, and North America, using data science, mobile technology, and analytics to expand access to financial services for underserved populations.

The company focuses on providing fair, fast, and accessible financial services through digital platforms, enabling individuals and small businesses to access credit, savings, and financial tools through their smartphones. With strong backing from global investors and a mission driven approach, the organization continues to scale its operations and product offerings across emerging markets.

In East Africa, the organization has experienced significant growth and adoption, positioning itself as a leading digital lender and microfinance institution. The company combines technology, analytics, and customer centric product design to build sustainable financial services that support financial inclusion and economic growth.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Credit & Analytics Lead will be responsible for leading the credit strategy, portfolio performance, and analytics function across the East Africa business. The role is central to the lending business and focuses on balancing growth, risk management, and profitability through data driven decision making and strong portfolio oversight.

This role goes beyond traditional credit management and includes ownership of the full credit lifecycle, including product design, credit policy, risk modelling, portfolio optimisation, and recovery strategy. The position requires a strategic thinker who can translate data into business decisions, drive innovation in lending products, and support sustainable portfolio growth.

The Credit & Analytics Lead will work closely with product, engineering, data science, finance, risk, and operations teams to develop and implement credit strategies that support business growth while maintaining strong asset quality and regulatory compliance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Credit Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the credit and portfolio strategy across the East Africa portfolio to maintain a strong balance between growth, risk, and profitability.
  
• Develop and manage the credit policy framework in line with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
  
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the credit function and represent the region in global credit and product discussions.
  
• Collaborate with leadership teams to support new product development, market expansion, and diversification into digital and traditional lending products.
  

Product and Portfolio Development

• Drive the lending product roadmap and support the development of new lending and financial products.
  
• Use data and analytics to identify new credit opportunities, refine existing products, and improve customer lifetime value.
  
• Work closely with product, engineering, and data science teams to optimise underwriting models, pricing strategies, and customer segmentation.
  
• Promote data driven experimentation and continuous improvement in lending strategies and portfolio management.
  

Portfolio Performance, Risk Oversight and Credit Operations

• Oversee portfolio performance and recovery strategy across the credit lifecycle from origination to repayment.
  
• Monitor credit quality and portfolio risk trends and implement proactive risk mitigation strategies.
  
• Improve portfolio monitoring processes, recovery efficiency, and operational processes to maintain strong asset quality.
  
• Work with operations, product, and data teams to support effective execution of credit strategy and portfolio management initiatives.
  

Credit Analytics and Reporting

• Develop and maintain credit models, dashboards, and reporting tools to monitor portfolio performance and risk drivers.
  
• Conduct detailed analysis to explain portfolio performance trends and identify improvement opportunities.
  
• Support the development of predictive and behavioural credit scoring models in collaboration with data science teams.
  
• Prepare and present regular portfolio performance and credit risk reports to management and board level committees.
  

Compliance, Governance and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required data to regulators and external stakeholders.
  
• Coordinate credit committee meetings and provide portfolio insights and risk updates.
  
• Maintain strong governance, internal controls, and compliance processes within the credit function.
  
• Work closely with audit, risk, and compliance teams to maintain a strong control environment and regulatory compliance.
  

MEASURABLE OUTCOME

• Maintain portfolio quality within agreed risk thresholds and performance targets.
  
• Achieve portfolio growth targets while maintaining profitability and acceptable risk levels.
  
• Improve portfolio performance metrics including repayment rates, loss rates, and recovery performance.
  
• Deliver accurate and timely credit reporting and portfolio insights to management and board committees.
  
• Support the successful launch and performance of new lending products and credit initiatives.
  

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Business, or a related field.
  
• A postgraduate qualification in Finance, Data Science, Business Administration, or Risk Management is desirable.
  
• Minimum of six years of experience in credit risk, portfolio management, analytics, or digital lending, with at least three years in a leadership role.
  
• Experience in banking, microfinance, fintech, or digital lending environments is required.
  
• Strong analytical and data skills with proficiency in SQL and Excel. Knowledge of Python, R, or similar analytical tools is an advantage.
  
• Experience in credit modelling, portfolio strategy, and lending product development.
  
• Strong understanding of credit risk management, portfolio analytics, and lending operations.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional teams and drive strategic initiatives through collaboration.
  
• Strong communication, decision making, and stakeholder management skills.
  

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinking
  
• Commercial Acumen
  
• Analytical Thinking and Data Interpretation
  
• Credit Risk Management
  
• Portfolio Management
  
• Product Development and Innovation
  
• Stakeholder Engagement
  
• Leadership and Team Management
  
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
  
• Results Orientation
  

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