Global Communities is an international development non-profit organization. Our mission is to create long-lasting, positive and community-led change that improves the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable people across the globe.
Founded by Global Communities, Vitas Group is a for-profit holding company that operates a network of microfinance companies predominantly in the Middle East region. With over 20 years’ track record of lending to micro and small and medium enterprises in the region, we are a unique group of companies and the only such investment vehicle for impact investors in the Middle East. Over the last 10 years, Vitas companies have disbursed over 535,000 loans worth more than $1.5 billion with an annual default rate of less than one percent. Vitas is in the process of launching a new subsidiary in Egypt.
The COO is an executive position that reports to the CEO of Vitas Egypt. He/she will be responsible for providing strategic management of credit operations to meet growth-stage business goals that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the portfolio, including: portfolio quality and performance, staff development, expansion strategy, new product development, and local representation. Model Vitas values to staff, ensuring that the client’s voice is at the center of all credit and operations decisions.
This position is open to citizens of Egypt and persons authorized to work in Egypt. No expat allowances are available for this position.
Responsibilities
Strategic Oversight
- Set specific Key Performance Indicators, including annual portfolio targets and institutional development goals, and create annual work plan to monitor progress against performance goals.
- Monitor overall portfolio quality and growth on monthly basis, through oversight of lending and collections activities and the preparation of comparative reports.
- Formulate and oversee the implementation of Operations policies and procedures for effective cost and risk management at all levels of operations.
- Work in conjunction with internal auditor to enhance control and verification systems throughout operations activities.
- Work in conjunction with CFO to develop accurate financial projections.
- Oversee Credit Committee activity and decisions.
- Contribute to the delivery of competitive, high quality financial services within framework of Vitas’ mission and objectives.
Staff Management and Development
- Take a lead role in the hiring and training of credit staff according to Vitas’ values and high ethical standards.
- Provide oversight and guidance for all senior credit staff in the management of lending operations, through regular field visits and open communications.
- Develop two-way communications strategy to share institutional direction and vision with operations staff—emphasizing customer service, portfolio quality, and growth objectives—and convey their feedback to leadership.
- Ensure effective reporting structures and information flows between different levels of credit staff.
- Assist credit staff with collections issues and follow up planning.
New Product Development and Expansion
- Lead and monitor all aspects of market research, product development, pilot testing, refinement, and delivery to create offerings that meet market needs and are client centric.
- Lead regular market research in coordination with you market research function to become an expert on the competitive landscape, and determine best opportunities for new business and expansion.
Stakeholder Outreach
- Regularly connect with customers and general public to promote positive company reputation and get feedback directly from source.
- Liaise with bank and other external partners as needed to facilitate current and future expansion of company activities.
Start up phase
- Develop a plan and follow up on the activities in startup phase and assist CEO and CFO in all respects
- Develop the first draft of Credit Operations manual for initial phase and assist the Software Development team in customizing Vitas’ proprietary MIS Web Abacus to operationalize it for initial phase
- Participate in development of digital tools and local technology partners to put in place efficient front and back office procedures and potential roll out of e-payment and e-wallets for clients.
- Lead the hiring of initial staff in field and back office for first year
- Carry out other duties as deemed necessary by CEO.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proven leadership and motivational skills, team oriented personality.
- Proven experience in market research, sales and/or distribution in a high volume business; experience in credit, leasing or other financial products desired. Previous experience in microfinance is not a prerequisite.
- Private sector experience desired.
- Commitment to working with the low- and median-income customer segments in Egypt.
- Ability to work effectively in environment of economic, ethnic, and religious diversity.
- Ability to travel domestically within Egypt at least 25% of time.
- Proven ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Strong familiarity with local economy and political environment.
- Ability to write clear and concise technical reports.
Qualifications
- University Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance or similar.
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience of operations in a financial services or sales related business.
Experience in a start-up environment strongly preferred.
More Information
- Job City Cairo
