Credit & Analytics Lead

About the role

A technology-driven financial services company delivering digital banking and lending solutions to emerging markets is hiring a Credit & Analytics Lead in Nairobi. The role leads the credit strategy, portfolio performance and analytics function across the East Africa business, balancing growth, risk management and profitability through data-driven decision making. It covers the full credit lifecycle, from product design and credit policy to risk modelling, portfolio optimisation and recovery strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the credit and portfolio strategy across East Africa and develop the credit policy framework in line with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the lending product roadmap, work with product, engineering and data science teams on underwriting models, pricing and customer segmentation, and use analytics to find new credit opportunities.
• Oversee portfolio performance and recovery from origination to repayment, monitor credit quality and risk trends, and improve monitoring and recovery processes.
• Develop and maintain credit models, dashboards and reporting tools, and support predictive and behavioural credit scoring models.
• Prepare and present regular portfolio performance and credit risk reports to management and board committees.
• Ensure timely data submission to regulators, coordinate credit committee meetings, and maintain strong governance, internal controls and compliance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Business or a related field; a postgraduate qualification in Finance, Data Science, Business Administration or Risk Management is desirable.
• Minimum of six years of experience in credit risk, portfolio management, analytics or digital lending, with at least three years in a leadership role.
• Experience in banking, microfinance, fintech or digital lending is required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and data skills with proficiency in SQL and Excel.
• Knowledge of Python, R or similar analytical tools is an advantage.
• Experience in credit modelling, portfolio strategy and lending product development.