Loans Officer- Agriculture

NON -ESTABLISHED POSITION

The National Economic Empowerment Fund Limited (NEEF) is a government owned Microfinance Institution whose mission is to economically empower ordinary and underserved Malawian (particularly women, youth, and persons with disability) through the provision of quality, affordable and sustainable microfinance services for better health.

NEEF invites applications from suitably qualified, mature, ambitious and professional Malawi Nationals with a passion for results to join the vibrant HR team and fill the vacant of non – established position of:

Loans Officer- Agriculture (Grade NF7)

Reporting to: Branch Supervisor

Job Purpose

The Loans Officer- Agriculture shall be responsible for supporting the analysis and evaluation of agricultural loan applications, and ensuring that NEEF maintains a high-quality agricultural loan portfolio

Key Duties and Responsibilities.

• Preliminary client selections involving screening and assessing loan applicants-credit worthiness of applicants
• Analyse financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant documents.
• Conduct field visits in collaboration with Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) to inspect farming operations and assess the risk profiles.
• Advise clients, using EPA input, on the different agriculture loan products that best suit their financial needs.
• Provide financial planning and advisory services to ensure effective use of borrowed funds (loan utilization).
• Structure loan options and terms that align with both the lender’s risk appetite and the borrower’s requirements.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of loan documentation to NEEF branch for further processing.
• Originating loan application requests for Credit and Operations Committee’s consideration.
• Monitor ongoing agriculture related loan accounts and ensure compliance with loan agreements.
• Resolve issues related to loan payments and delinquencies in collaboration with both internal (risk, branch operations) and external stakeholders (insurers).
• Stay updated with agricultural market trends and economic conditions as part of informed advisory role to smallholder commercial farmers.
• Communicate loan decisions and provide detailed timeous feedback to applicants.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local farmers, agricultural businesses, and other key stakeholders with the EPA.
• Training clients in group dynamics, business and credit management in group dynamics, business and credit management.
• Informing clients of loans successfully disbursed and arranging protocols for encashment or access to farm input under loan agreement.
• Facilitating collecting all loan repayments when they fall due using recommended channels.
• Monitoring of performance of enterprises and recommending preventive actions on declining enterprises.
• Maintaining up-to-date client database including repayments, contact information and location.
• Assisting in advanced loan recoveries.
• Conducting community outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Appearing as a witness for the Fund in court proceedings whenever necessary

Qualification and Experience

• Degree in Agriculture General, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agriculture Education, and Agronomy or any related field from an accredited institution by NCHE;
• 3 years relevant work experience in similar role.

Method of Application

Interested individuals who meet the above requirements should submit their applications, copies of certificates, and updated CVs with at least three (3) traceable referees indicating on the envelope the position being applied for not later than Friday, May 23, 2025, Apply online or visit our website via the following link:
https://www.neef.mw/vacancies/19