Head Credit – Botswana Savings Bank

Core Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the development and execution of the organisation’s strategy by ensuring credit policies and frameworks support sustainable lending growth.
2. Develop, implement, and maintain robust credit policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with the Bank’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
3. Oversee the end-to-end credit lifecycle, including origination, appraisal, approval, documentation, disbursement, and monitoring of all lending facilities.
4. Ensure consistent application of credit standards across all segments, including Retail, Business Banking, and Corporate lending.
5. Evaluate and approve credit proposals within delegated authority and provide recommendations on higher-value or higher-risk exposures.
6. Monitor the overall health of the loan portfolio, including arrears, non-performing loans, and early warning indicators, and implement corrective strategies where necessary.
7. Work closely with Collections and Risk functions to manage delinquent accounts, reduce credit losses, and improve recovery rates.
8. Drive improvements in credit turnaround times and process efficiency to support business growth while maintaining strong risk controls.
9. Provide independent credit oversight and challenge to business units to ensure balanced decision-making between growth and risk.
10. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, internal policies, and governance frameworks related to credit risk.
11. Lead portfolio analysis and reporting, providing insights on credit trends, sector exposures, concentration risks, and portfolio performance to Executive Management and the Board.
12. Support product development and pricing decisions by providing credit risk insights and ensuring appropriate risk-return balance.
13. Develop and maintain credit risk models, scoring mechanisms, and assessment tools to enhance decision-making and portfolio management.
14. Build and lead a high-performing Credit team by setting clear performance standards, enhancing technical capabilities, and fostering a strong risk culture.
15. Identify emerging risks in the operating environment and recommend proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts on the Bank’s loan portfolio.

PERFORMS SUCH OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES AS DIRECTED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Banking, Economics or related field
• Professional or postgraduate qualification in Credit Risk or Finance is an added advantage

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years’ experience in credit or lending within a financial institution, with a minimum of three (3) years at senior management level.

Competencies:

• Credit risk management
• Analytical and financial assessment
• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and people management
• Decision-making and judgement
• Communication, impact and influence