BRANCH MANAGER Job at Opportunity Tanzania Limited

Opportunity Tanzania Limited is a Microfinance Institution with Branches in Dar-Es-salaam, Arusha, Moshi, and Morogoro. As the part of Opportunity's International network, OTL’s mission is to make available to the economically disadvantaged members of Tanzanian society, small business loans and other appropriate financial services that, coupled with the necessary training, enable them to develop and sustain income generating and job creating enterprises.

   As an expanding company were are looking for key staff in the following vacancies.

 Kindly note the final date for submitting your interest is 21/11/2014

POSITION TITLE	BRANCH   MANAGER
REPORTS TO DIRECTLY REPORTS INDIRECTLY TO	CHIEF RELATIONSHIP OFFICER CREDIT ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
CLOSING DATE	21st November  2014

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

With limits of delegated authority from the Operations Manager, the Branch Manager will be responsible for achieving the following objectives and responsibilities: 

5.1 Management and Supervision of Branch Operations

·         Participates fully in establishing the branch infrastructure including the group and individual lending services, credit administration, accounting, branch MIS, and other branch support services.

·         Supervises and supports all the activities of the branch where assistance is needed, oversees the activities of Loan Supervisors and direct report loan officers, Accounts Assistants and other branch personnel.

·         Ensures the day to day management of the branch, opening and closing the branch and co-coordinating available resources (e.g., staff, materials, etc.) for maximum results.

·         Monitors branch office and field oriented expenses to ensure compliance with budget.

·         Ensures that the control systems Viz. Branch control diaries, Attendance register, Key registers, Stationery registers, Time sheet etc. are up to date at all times.

·         Ensures that all loans pass through the Branch Credit Committee (BCC) or sub-branch committees for approval.

5.2  Performance Management Branch

·   Participates fully in the annual Operations planning process by setting the branch level targets and budget

·   Co-ordinates the branch staff to ensure achievement of financial sustainability, market coverage, client outreach, loan portfolio quality and profitability, transformation, service quality, and efficiency targets for the branch.

·         Ensures that adequate resources are provided to branch staff to meet the agreed targets.

·         Establishes agreed individual performance targets with all direct reports.

·         Provides advice, guidance and support to the branch team and ensuring staff are motivated and organized to exceed performance targets.

·         Monitors achievement of performance of the branch against the set objectives/plan, and reports and takes corrective action against significant deviations to the Operations Manager, COO/CRO.

·         Submits monthly branch performance and financial reports measured against set targets and quarterly credit portfolio projections to the head office

5.3 Operational and Credit Risk Management and Internal Control and Regulatory Policies, Procedures and Systems Compliance

·         Participates fully in the establishment and delivery of lending products, services, policies and procedures.

·         Communicates clear credit policies, guidelines and procedures to branch staff including pre-loan eligibility requirements, client screening, collateral, product design, loan approval accountability and authority levels, repayment terms and incentives, delinquency and default management.

·         Trains, educates, communicates, and advises the Loans Officers and all branch staff to ensure high level of product knowledge, standard application of product and sound lending, debt collection, and risk management systems, policies and procedures.

·         Monitors loan processes and administration activities in the branch ensuring adequacy and security of collateral.

·         Ensures via direct supervision and the BCC that guidelines and procedures on pre-loan eligibility requirements, client screening, loan guarantees, product design, loan approval accountability and authority levels, repayment terms and incentives, delinquency and default management are adhered to by the branch staff.

·         Ensures that all branch functions and activities are in compliance with Opportunity Tanzania Ltd regulations and internal control policies and procedures.

·         Implements and monitors security and fraud precautions at the branch level to protect customer savings, Opportunity Tanzania Ltd assets and staff.

·         Supervises monthly Self Assessment Audits to ensure that the branch is in compliance with established company policies and procedures

·         Takes prompt action when fraud is suspected/detected in conjunction with the Compliance officer, promptly charges the suspected staff as per OTL HR polices  and reports to the matter to the police and COO/CRO and CEO

5.4 Branch Based Marketing, Sales and Client Service Strategy and Approach

·         Pushes branch toward profitability through cost controls, maximising sales generation, and marketing and selling efforts.

·         Reviews, develops, and implements suitable awareness activities for each product.

·         Develops and implements branch expansion and market penetration program including roll-out of new product(s), expansion into new areas and penetration of existing areas.

·         Reviews the client and staff satisfaction survey reports, pin pointing significant deviations from branch level service quality standards.

·         Ensures that customers receive quality products and services that adhere to the product and client service standards.

·         Monitors the implementation of corrective action to improve client and staff services.

·         Educates the branch staff on the importance of customer service and sales orientation, promoting a sales oriented culture within the branch that satisfies the needs of clients and recognises the importance of long-term customer relationships.

·         Reinforces the application of superior customer service through his or her own example along with appropriate follow through with customers and employees.

·         Gains close client contact through field visits to keep abreast with client needs and service problems and resolving problems as necessary.

·         Collects the relevant details of other competing services in the area and working with the management to recommend relevant and appropriate programs for clients.

·         Ensure that the branch conducts at least one Marketing activity in a month as a Team and sends the activity impact report to COO/CRO.

·         Represent Opportunity Tanzania Ltd at local forums

·         Liaisons with District Commissioners and other local authorities to raise public awareness of Opportunity’s services and to facilitate follow-up on client fraud cases.

5.5 Human Resource Management – Branch Level

·         Establishes and communicates clear and comprehensive organisation structure and job descriptions including roles, responsibilities, competency profile, accountabilities, and authorities for all staff based in the branch.

·         Ensures training and development of all staff so that they can deliver functions effectively and efficiently.

·         Carries out semi annual performance reviews of direct reports ensuring that all branch staff are appraised based on performance objectives and are receiving training whenever necessary.

·         Ensures effective management of poor performance and disciplinary actions, when necessary.

·         Ensures understanding of performance based incentives schemes for area field staff that balance portfolio quality and quantity including number of new client and active clients, and repayment rates.

·         Identifies need for new hires, helps to recruit, induct, train, motivate, coach, encourage and mentor staff.

·         Encourages teamwork and the sharing of best practice with all branch staff.

·         Holds regular reporting and planning meetings with all branch staff and ensure all meetings minutes are maintained.

·         Coordinates leave planning for branch on a yearly basis each January and throughout the rest of the year as needed.

·         Ensures that that all support is provided to the Compliance officer to conduct her investigations /reporting unhindered, and that He/ she conducts her duty in a cordial and professional environment.

5.6 Transformation Objectives and Activities

·         Through the field staff, implements transformational activities aimed at empowering all clients in such a way that they become agents of social, spiritual and economic transformation in their own communities.

·         Ensures that the Branch Devotions are conducted at least twice a week, and all staff actively participates.

·         Ensures that all field staff acquires relevant transformation knowledge and communication/facilitation skills.

·         Ensures adequate resources are provided (both human and financial) to branch based transformational activities.

·         Ensures the measurement and monitoring of transformation activities on a regular basis through a standard impact assessment surveys and reports and taking corrective action for the branch.

·         Encourages the discussion, understanding, and promotion of transformation activities by all branch staff and clients.

·         Encourages the transformational development among staff and clients and ensuring that it is regularly monitored in the assigned branch.

5.7 OI Network Gender Policy and Equity

·         Supporting and promoting the OI Network gender policy and the Network's initiatives for gender sensitivity and gender equity.

·         Promoting a culture of gender equity and sensitivity among branch staff.

5.8 Self-development

·         Keeps abreast of current developments in microfinance and banking industry including micro and macro environmental factors and trends, microfinance products and poverty eradication strategies through local and international networking activities.

·         Meets personal training and development needs through relevant professional and commercial training and networking activities

6. KNOW HOW AND EXPERIENCE

6.1 Qualification

·         A bachelor degree in any of the numerate business related subjects from a reputable university or college.

6.2 Branch Management Experience

·         3 years or more experience and training in managing and supervising branch operations gained from a service oriented, banking or similar industry background

·         Practical management experience in managing and supervising branch operations

·         Practical experience in implementation of branch operations, credit and risk management policies, practices, procedures and guidelines

·         Practical experience in monitoring of outreach, profitability, transformational and efficiency, and administration performance targets and budgets at branch level

·         Knowledge and experience in lending, credit and risk management including pre-loan eligibility requirements, client screening, collateral, product design, loan approval processes, repayment terms and incentives, delinquency and default management

6.3 Compliance Regulations and Legal Legislation

·         Advanced knowledge of the microfinance industry including micro and macro environmental factors and trends, micro finance products and poverty eradication strategies

·         Advanced knowledge of related statutory compliance regulations, micro finance laws, business law, local employment and labour laws, internal operational policies and procedures

·         Advanced knowledge of transformation, lending, banking and savings products policies and procedures

6.4 Business Development, Marketing and Client Relationship

·         Ability to implement a marketing, sales and client service management implementation plan

·         An in-depth knowledge about a wide range of micro lending and savings products and services

·         Ability to recommend changes to products and services to meet customer needs

·         Ability to evaluate competitors and identify and exploit branch level market opportunities

·         Ability to identify and explore business opportunities to maintain the branch cutting-edge position

·         Ability to build relationships with branch based internal and external stakeholders

6.5 Planning and Performance Management for Branch Operations 

·         Basic experience in planning, implementation, monitoring and control processes specifically in the areas of credit and risk management, outreach, sustainability, transformation, lending and banking product performance

·         Ability to plan, co-ordinate, and monitor own work plan and for the branch operations 

·         Ability to assess achievement against performance targets for direct reports, taking corrective action and rewarding employees as appropriate

·         Excellent organisation, performance management, administration, and time management skills

·         Ability to deal with complex problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations

6.6 Reporting and Communication Skills

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence; speak clearly to third parties and employees

·         Ability to consolidate and prepare branch performance reports

·         Ability to meet reporting expectations of management

·         Ability to maintain high standards of accuracy in the information and advice provided to management

6.7 Interpersonal and People Management Skills

·         Strong team building skill and experience with the ability to enthuse, inspire, develop and motivate branch staff

·         Ability to supervise, train and foster the development of a team, providing feedback, support and encouragement

·         Strong relationship building and diplomatic interpersonal skills with individuals and branch teams as a whole

·         Ability to delegate effectively amongst teams and show commitment to the long-term development of the staff through coaching, mentoring and creation of development opportunities

·         Has a positive “can do” mentality and has the ability to exploit all available resources to accomplish objectives

·         Ability to motivate others by personal role modeling, professional credibility, and trust

·         Ability to handle difficult people and tense situations with diplomacy and tact; spot potential conflict, bring disagreements into the open, encourage debate and open discussion and orchestrate win-win situations

·         Strong analytical, influencing and negotiation skills

·         Disposition to share knowledge fully and willingly with other employees

·         Assertive and has initiative and personal drive

6.8 Change and Change Management

·         Strong leadership qualities with the ability to communicate and implement the operational strategy

·         Ability to communicate, enthuse and inspire staff to take steps to make the change happen and not to give up until the vision becomes a reality

·         Project management skills including project planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation

6.9 Commitment to Opportunity Tanzania Ltd Christian Mission and Gender Policy and Equity

·         Commitment to opportunity Tanzania Ltd mission, corporate values, and Christian motivation as expressed in the ability to incorporate the mission and values in the work area

·         Commitment to poverty eradication and an ability to transform the lives and communities of people in poverty

·         Ability to support and implement transformational activities aimed at empowering all staff and clients in such a way that they become agents of social, spiritual, political and economic transformation in their own communities

·         Commitment to promoting and supporting gender policy and equity

·         Commitment to equal opportunity and diversity policy and equity

6.10 Intermediate Mathematical and Numeric Skills

·         Ability to calculate interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; balancing of accounts

·         Addition,  subtraction, multiplication, and division in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals

·         Skill to locate routine mathematical errors

·         Computation of rate, ratio and percent including the drafting and interpretation of business financial reports and bar graphs

·          

6.11 Personal Computer Operation

·         Intermediate skills in personal computer operation

·         Emerge user skills

·         Reporting and communication software programmes - word processing, PowerPoint presentation, and spreadsheet

·         Typing speed to meet production needs of the position

7. KEY RELATIONSHIPS

·         Chief Relationship Officer

·         Credit Administration Manager

·         Chief Operations Officer

·         Branch staff

·         Head Office – MIS and Finance

Clients

Human Resource Manager

Opportunity Tanzania Limited

P.O Box 80244

Dar es Salaam.

Email: applications@opportunity.co.tz

NOTE: The final date for submitting your interest is 21^st November, 2014 and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

OPPORTUNITY TANZANIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.