Background

The Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), a wholly owned Government Development Finance Institution (DFI), was established in 1963 initially as a subsidiary of the Land and Agricultural Bank. In 1969, it was incorporated as a full - fledged financial institution under the Agricultural Finance Corporation Act, Cap 323 of the laws of Kenya. It was t... Read more about this company

Job purpose:

To oversee and coordinate regional lending operations by developing and implementing business strategies that promote loan portfolio growth, client acquisition, and revenue optimization. The role ensures effective management of branch performance, compliance with lending policies and regulatory requirements, and maintenance of portfolio quality. It also provides leadership to regional teams to enhance operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and achievement of corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement regional business strategies focused on loan portfolio growth, client acquisition, and revenue optimization while maintaining portfolio quality.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all regional operations, ensuring alignment with organizational policies, lending standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and analyze branch performance metrics, implementing improvement plans to enhance productivity and achieve lending targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop branch managers and their teams through coaching, performance reviews, and capability-building programs.
• Drive customer acquisition strategies by developing strong relationships with key clients, and business partners in the region.
• Manage regional financial performance including budget control, operational efficiency, and profitability of lending operations.
• Conduct market analysis to identify lending opportunities and adapt strategies to meet evolving customer needs and competitive dynamics.
• Implement robust credit risk management practices across all branches to maintain portfolio quality and minimize delinquencies.
• Oversee the resolution of complex customer issues and escalated complaints related to loan products and services.
• Collaborate with credit, risk, and product teams to ensure effective implementation of lending programs and policies.
• Optimize the regional branch network by evaluating performance, recommending improvements, and managing operational enhancements.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives to improve loan processing efficiency and enhance customer experience.
• Represent the corporation in regional business engagements and maintain relationships with relevant regulatory bodies.
• Develop and implement community outreach programs to strengthen brand presence and support business development.
• Execute additional strategic initiatives as assigned by senior management to support corporation objectives.

Person Specifications:

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• Master’s degree from a recognized institution
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Actuarial science, Mathematics, Agribusiness, Agricultural economics, Banking, Range management, Livestock production, Finance, Economics or any other related course or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
• Professional qualification in Credit Management from a recognized institution
• A member of a recognized professional body where applicable and in good standing.
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
• A minimum of fifteen(15) years’ work experience, three (3) of which must have been at least be at the grade of Principal Credit Officer, Branch Manager or comparable position;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfills the requirements of Chapter Six of the constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Excellent business acumen
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Analytical and modelling skills
• Strong situational analysis capability
• Attention to detail and critical thinking
• Innovative and resource mobilization skills

• Develop and implement regional business strategies focused on loan portfolio growth, client acquisition, and revenue optimization while maintaining portfolio quality.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all regional operations, ensuring alignment with organizational policies, lending standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and analyze branch performance metrics, implementing improvement plans to enhance productivity and achieve lending targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop branch managers and their teams through coaching, performance reviews, and capability-building programs.
• Drive customer acquisition strategies by developing strong relationships with key clients, and business partners in the region.
• Manage regional financial performance including budget control, operational efficiency, and profitability of lending operations.
• Conduct market analysis to identify lending opportunities and adapt strategies to meet evolving customer needs and competitive dynamics.
• Implement robust credit risk management practices across all branches to maintain portfolio quality and minimize delinquencies.
• Oversee the resolution of complex customer issues and escalated complaints related to loan products and services.
• Collaborate with credit, risk, and product teams to ensure effective implementation of lending programs and policies.
• Optimize the regional branch network by evaluating performance, recommending improvements, and managing operational enhancements.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives to improve loan processing efficiency and enhance customer experience.
• Represent the corporation in regional business engagements and maintain relationships with relevant regulatory bodies.
• Develop and implement community outreach programs to strengthen brand presence and support business development.
• Execute additional strategic initiatives as assigned by senior management to support corporation objectives.

• Excellent business acumen
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Analytical and modelling skills
• Strong situational analysis capability
• Attention to detail and critical thinking
• Innovative and resource mobilization skills

• Master’s degree from a recognized institution
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Actuarial science, Mathematics, Agribusiness, Agricultural economics, Banking, Range management, Livestock production, Finance, Economics or any other related course or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
• Professional qualification in Credit Management from a recognized institution
• A member of a recognized professional body where applicable and in good standing.
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfills the requirements of Chapter Six of the constitution.