Investment Officer Job Opportunity at Inkomoko Kenya

Inkomoko Kenya is seeking an Investment Officer to support entrepreneurs through its investment and lending activities. The position combines investment assessment, borrower support, portfolio management, debt follow-up, financial administration, and the use of investment management systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with entrepreneurs and internal teams throughout different stages of the investment process. From responding to prospective borrowers and assessing applications to monitoring repayments and maintaining accurate system records, the Investment Officer will have an important role in ensuring that investment activities are properly managed.

The position requires someone with strong financial and accounting abilities, excellent attention to detail, good communication skills, and experience working with customers and debt-related matters. The candidate should also be comfortable using technology and handling challenging situations professionally.

Supporting Entrepreneurs Through the Investment Process

A significant portion of the role will involve due diligence and preparing investments. The Investment Officer will respond to questions from entrepreneurs who are interested in the available investment facilities and help them understand how to apply.

The officer will introduce investment products to prospective borrowers and explain the requirements attached to repayment. It will also be important to ensure that entrepreneurs understand the seriousness and responsibilities associated with taking on debt financing.

When an application progresses, the Investment Officer will conduct an investment appraisal and collect detailed information about the prospective borrower. This may include personal information, business details, and information relating to guaranties.

The officer will also arrange for the opening of a new investment account as required.

Conducting Due Diligence

Due diligence is a central responsibility of the position. The Investment Officer will carry out the necessary checks on prospective borrowers and collect information required to support the investment process.

This can include visiting business sites, preparing documents, and coordinating with Business Development Advisors and Business Associates.

The information and materials collected during the assessment process will need to be communicated to the Portfolio Manager. The Investment Officer will also assist with preparing credit reports for meetings of the Investment Committee.

Accuracy is important throughout this stage because the information gathered will support the assessment and preparation of investment opportunities.

Preparing Investment Agreements

Once the relevant investment process has progressed, the Investment Officer will be involved in preparing and executing investment contracts.

The officer will also arrange for the disbursement of investments in kind.

Another part of the preparation process involves documenting entrepreneurs' stories for fundraising through the Kiva platform. The Investment Officer will take photographs of entrepreneurs, ensure that the required photo waivers are signed, and make sure the entrepreneurs' stories are posted with the correct information.

This requires careful attention to the details provided and proper completion of the required documentation.

Managing Borrower Relationships

The Investment Officer will remain involved after an investment has been made. The role includes maintaining positive relationships with borrowers through regular communication and customer service.

This can involve daily conversations, correspondence, and site visits when necessary.

The officer will work with the Inkomoko Kenya Business Development Services team to support borrower success and will visit clients for monitoring purposes.

Keeping track of borrower information will also be part of the responsibility. The officer must maintain accurate information and communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders regarding the status of clients.

Monitoring Repayments

Portfolio management is an important part of the position. The Investment Officer will maintain a tracking system containing borrower payment information and contact details.

The officer will be expected to maintain delinquency and default rates below the levels established during annual goal setting.

Where payments are not made as expected, the officer will follow up with borrowers and relevant parties. The position may also involve interaction with government leaders, court systems, and other parties when further action is required because of unpaid amounts.

The successful candidate therefore needs to be comfortable dealing with debt-related situations and communicating firmly when necessary.

Working With Finance and Administration

The Investment Officer will work with the Finance & Administration team on financial administration connected to the investment department.

This includes helping produce invoices for payments and supporting monthly reconciliation of investment department transactions.

The officer will also participate in the weekly Portfolio Review Meeting as a key member of the team. These meetings provide an opportunity to review portfolio matters and communicate important information about borrowers and investment activities.

The role requires consistent follow-through to ensure that outstanding issues are addressed appropriately.

Using the Investment Management System

Technology forms another major part of the Investment Officer's responsibilities.

The officer will update investment disbursements and repayments in the Investment Management System, which is powered by Odoo.

The successful candidate should be able to use investment software effectively and maintain proficiency with the relevant applications. They will also work with system providers to make better use of the available technology while helping streamline processes and procedures.

Accuracy and compliance must be maintained when using the system.

The Investment Officer will also assist with system parameters and design so that the system can meet the requirements of different departments.

Managing System Access and Workflows

The position also involves managing user security access within the investment management system.

The officer will help ensure proper segregation of duties and develop and maintain workflows covering the different stages of the investment process.

Another responsibility will be advising the management team on opportunities to automate important lending processes.

The Investment Officer will supervise various aspects of investment operations, including posting payments, processing payoffs, balancing, and disbursing investment funds.

Updates concerning lending procedures and changes should also be communicated to the lending team.

Improving Investment Operations

The Investment Officer will participate in reviews of operational systems and procedures and make recommendations where appropriate.

Working closely with lending staff will be necessary to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the investment management system.

The officer will also prepare related reports and administer the system as required.

The role may involve additional responsibilities assigned by the supervisor depending on operational needs.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a university degree in Finance or another related field.

Fluency in both English and Swahili is required.

At least two years of experience in a relevant or applicable field is required. Experience in investment management, microfinance, capital leases, or providing access to finance for micro-businesses and SMEs is strongly preferred.

Experience working in a lending environment and dealing directly with customers or debt-related matters is also important.

Candidates who have provided business advice to entrepreneurs will have relevant experience for the position. Previous experience using investment management system software is also required.

Experience in Islamic lending and practice would be an added advantage.

Financial, Customer and Debt Management Skills

The position requires strong financial and accounting skills, including familiarity with business financial policies in Kakuma.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working with borrowers and handling difficult customer situations. They should be decisive and capable of communicating difficult messages to debtors when necessary.

The ability to remain assertive while working toward repayment of outstanding debt is important. Candidates should also have experience managing difficult clients and finding positive outcomes in challenging situations.

Strong attention to detail and reliable follow-through are essential because the role involves financial information, contracts, borrower records, repayments, and system administration.

Court and Problem-Solving Experience

The Investment Officer should be comfortable with the civil court system. Previous experience in litigation is preferred.

The role may require interaction with court systems and other parties when following up on unpaid amounts, making familiarity with these processes useful.

The organization is also looking for someone with perseverance, personal integrity, and critical thinking skills.

The candidate must be legally authorized to work in Kenya.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate should be able to manage diverse relationships effectively. This means relating well with people who have different personalities, respecting differences, and communicating across different styles, cultures, and backgrounds.

Initiative is another important competency. The candidate should be able to think ahead, prioritize objectives, implement plans reliably, and identify factors that may either support or prevent the achievement of goals.

Technology skills are also important. The Investment Officer should be comfortable using technology to improve efficiency and achieve the required results.

What Inkomoko Offers

The position provides an opportunity to work in a high-growth, mission-driven organization.

Inkomoko states that its package includes a strong workplace culture with investment in employee learning and professional growth, together with a commitment to inclusion and diversity.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work with a team of professionals across the region and contribute to activities intended to create social impact and support economic growth.

The compensation package includes a competitive salary and the potential for a KPI-based bonus.

Additional policies and benefits include health insurance, a staff savings program, parental leave, a sabbatical program, and more.

Summary

The Investment Officer position brings together financial analysis, investment preparation, borrower relationship management, repayment monitoring, portfolio administration, and technology-based investment operations.

It is designed for a finance professional who can work closely with entrepreneurs while also maintaining accurate financial and operational records. The role requires strong financial knowledge, lending experience, customer management skills, attention to detail, technology proficiency, and the ability to handle difficult debt-related situations.

Candidates with a Finance or related degree, at least two years of relevant experience, fluency in English and Swahili, and experience in lending or investment-related activities can be considered for this opportunity.

Application

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