As part of Rwanda's ambitious long-term development plan to become a high-income country by 2050, we are transforming our financial sector through innovative initiatives. The Umurenge Savings and Credit Cooperatives (U-SACCOs), now consolidated into District SACCOs (D-SACCOs), play a pivotal role in creating inclusive financial systems across Rwanda. We are seeking an exceptional leader to drive this transformation forward.

The U-SACCOs were established as part of the National Savings Mobilization Strategy, with 416 cooperatives serving over 3.2 million members nationwide. Following successful automation under a shared Core Banking System, the next stage is consolidating these into 30 D-SACCOs. This strategic move aims to enhance operational efficiency and expand financial services across districts.

Job Summary

We invite applications for the position of the Head of Credit. The Head of Credit will lead the District SACCO’s credit department, ensuring efficient management of loan operations and compliance with relevant regulations. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Credit is responsible for developing credit strategies, supervising staff, and serving as the primary contact for credit-related inquiries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and be accountable for the performance and work of the credit team.
• Supervise staff within the credit department, providing guidance and support.
• Participate in all management meetings and contribute to strategic discussions.
• Collaborate with senior management to create and implement departmental strategies.
• Act as the main point of contact for the Managing Director on all credit-related matters.
• Revise and formulate credit policies, ensuring effective implementation across the department.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and procedures in the credit department.
• Manage relationships and agreements with members, customers, and external partners.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports on the financial and operational performance of the credit department.
• Oversee all loan operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to policies.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Managing Director.

Qualifications & Experience required

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields,
• 10+ years in senior management positions within microfinance or banking.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in credit departments of financial institutions.
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and strong decision-making skills.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operational metrics.
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Fluent in spoken and written English; knowledge of French is an advantage.

• Oversee and be accountable for the performance and work of the credit team.
• Supervise staff within the credit department, providing guidance and support.
• Participate in all management meetings and contribute to strategic discussions.
• Collaborate with senior management to create and implement departmental strategies.
• Act as the main point of contact for the Managing Director on all credit-related matters.
• Revise and formulate credit policies, ensuring effective implementation across the department.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and procedures in the credit department.
• Manage relationships and agreements with members, customers, and external partners.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports on the financial and operational performance of the credit department.
• Oversee all loan operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to policies.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Managing Director.

• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and strong decision-making skills.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operational metrics.
• Proficient in MS Office applications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields
• 10+ years in senior management positions within microfinance or banking.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in credit departments of financial institutions.