Senior Manager Credit Risk at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

The Senior Credit Manager has a critical role within the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) department, responsible for overseeing and managing the Bank's credit risk exposure. This position involves developing, implementing, and monitoring credit risk strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure the Bank's credit portfolio remains within acceptable risk tolerances and aligns with overall business objectives. The Senior Credit Manager will provide expert guidance on credit risk assessment, mitigation, and reporting, and will collaborate with various business units to foster a strong credit risk culture.

Key Responsibilities 

• Strategy & Policy Development: Develop and maintain EBKL’s credit risk management framework, including policies, procedures, methodologies, and risk appetite statements. Ensure alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Portfolio Management: Monitor and analyze credit portfolio performance, identifying trends, concentrations, and potential risks. Recommend and implement strategies to optimize the portfolio's risk-return profile.
• Risk Reporting & Monitoring: Prepare and present regular credit risk reports to senior management and the board risk committee, highlighting key risk metrics, emerging risks, and portfolio performance. Develop and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) to proactively identify and manage potential credit risks.
• Credit Approval & Review: Participate in the credit approval process for large or complex transactions, providing independent credit risk assessments and recommendations. Oversee the periodic review of existing credit facilities.
• Stress Testing & Scenario Analysis: Conduct stress testing and scenario analysis to assess the resilience of the credit portfolio under various adverse economic conditions. Develop contingency plans to mitigate potential losses.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of relevant regulatory requirements and ensure the Bank's credit risk management practices comply with applicable regulations (e.g., Basel Accords, IFRS 9).
• Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate with various business units, including the internal controls department to ensure effective credit risk management practices are integrated across the Bank. Communicate credit risk policies and procedures effectively to stakeholders.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: (If applicable) Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior credit risk staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Model Validation: Participate in the validation of credit risk models, ensuring their accuracy and reliability.
• Technology & Innovation: Identify and evaluate new technologies and tools to enhance credit risk management processes and improve efficiency.

Qualifications

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant professional certifications 1 (e.g., CFA, FRM) are preferred
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in credit risk management, preferably in the financial services industry.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong understanding of credit risk principles, methodologies, and best practices. 
• Experience in developing and implementing credit risk policies and procedures. 
• Proficiency in credit risk assessment, portfolio management, and risk reporting.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Experience with credit risk management software and databases is a plus.