Loan Officer

About the Role

NEAR EAST FOUNDATION is seeking a Loan Officer to join their team in Al Qatif. This full-time position involves overseeing the delivery of financial services for projects and supporting the credit team in project assessment and financial structure analysis for loans. The Loan Officer acts as a crucial link between beneficiaries and the organization, contributing to the implementation and follow-up of structuring study recommendations throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and verify all loan applications for completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare and share lists of applicants and planned visits with field partners according to the work plan.
• Develop detailed visit work plans in collaboration with field assistants, the center manager, and the Loan Coordinator.
• Conduct social verification checks with field assistants to confirm applicant information accuracy.
• Supervise and participate in site monitoring visits with field assistants while completing credit reports.
• Monitor borrowers in arrears, ensure timely follow-up, and provide regular updates to the direct supervisor.
• Provide technical and behavioral guidance to field assistants on visit protocols and data collection for beneficiary registration.
• Maintain regular communication with borrowers and beneficiaries, offering updates, guidance, and support.
• Ensure full adherence to credit policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and compliance requirements.
• Assess applicants’ financial eligibility and loan feasibility in collaboration with the Loan Coordinator.
• Oversee follow-up visits and loan restructuring as needed.
• Introduce and explain lending and repayment policies to borrowers during loan disbursement.
• Ensure all lending activities comply with internal policies, donor requirements, and local laws and regulations.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the direct supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in loan processing, credit management, financial product development, or loan review.
• Experience in agricultural loans and the agricultural sector is highly preferred.
• In-depth understanding of direct and indirect lending practices, credit assessment, and loan documentation procedures.
• Knowledge of financial compliance rules and risk management standards.
• Familiarity with loan management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relevant financial software.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to travel frequently to field sites.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Al Qatif, requiring frequent travel to field sites to conduct visits and monitoring activities. The role involves working closely with field assistants, the center manager, and the Loan Coordinator.