Officer, Project Appraisal

HFC Limited, the banking and property finance subsidiary of HF Group, has an exciting opportunity in our Credit Department. We are seeking a talented, dynamic, self-driven, and results-oriented individual who is committed to performance, excellence, and participating in our growth strategy.

This job holder is responsible for supporting the Credit Division in assessing, monitoring, and managing project-based lending. The role ensures that all project documentation is complete, statutory and regulatory requirements are met and initiates the disbursements process. The officer conducts site inspection, verifies project progress and provides accurate reports. The role ensures closely monitoring of financial loan covenants and customer reporting requirements to ensure borrowers are complying with approved subsequent terms, conditions and covenants. The role holder prepares detailed reports and recommendations that support timely and informed lending decisions.

Deadline:

Category: Credit

Subsidiary: HFC

Principle Accountabilities

• Conduct initial technical analysis on projects i.e., scrutinizing Bill of quantities and approved plans and preparing project reports to advice the management on adequacy of proposed costing and project status in line with envisioned mode of project implementation leading to the Growth of the Bank's Construction Loan Book in line with Budget.
• Review offer letter terms and conditions and ensure set conditions are adhered to throughout the project life.
• To vet and advise on statutory compliance status and competence of a construction consultants in each new construction project before recommending the case for approval.
• Monitoring quality of product, information and coordination provided by the consultants including timeliness of inspections carried out by the consultants and contractors for compliance with their contractual responsibilities and with agreed schedules.
• Review and track progress of construction projects and ensure compliance to all approval conditions and statutory requirements prior and during construction/ implementation phase.
• Prepare pre disbursement project reports to enforce compliance and ensure identified project risks are covered and where necessary communicated to decision makers/ approvers.
• Prepare periodical reports on the on-going projects for information and timely decision making such as progress, occupation status among others.
• Ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget by setting benchmarks, and monitoring progress.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Good verbal communication skills required for explaining Loan products and procedures.
• Ability to convey factual information clearly.
• Ability to listen and probe effectively to determine customers' real needs vis a vis analysis.
• People management skills, including teambuilding, motivation and team goal planning.
• Assertive - able to manage conflict, stand by principles and put forward ideas despite opposition.
• Resilient – able to retain optimism despite setbacks and not take criticism personally.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Methodical, accurate, pays attention to detail.
• Results-orientated, adheres to turn-around times/deadlines.
• Customer service-orientated, diplomatic, tolerant and helpful to others.
• Team player – approachable, ability to share with others.
• Self-motivated and energetic.
• High level of Integrity and honesty.
• MS excel & presentation skills.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Built environment from a recognized university.
• Knowledge of Credit operations, documentation, banking software applications.
• Basic accounting qualification will be added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of increasingly responsible experience, including experience successfully managing various projects in the industry.
• Exposure in or knowledge of Construction & Mortgage Finance.
• Understanding of costing aspect in construction and project appraisal skills
• Portfolio management skills – Project takeout and Escrow account management.
• Evaluate project proposals and recommend cases for approval.
• Knowledge of the Lending Policy and Credit processes.
• Project Monitoring skills –Quality of construction, Workmanship, costing and time aspect.
• Law relating to construction regulations and statutory compliance.
• Knowledge and understanding of construction industry requirements and all statutory requirements applicable.
• Knowledge of the construction workflow and critical project milestones
• Knowledge in interpretation of all construction documentation e.g., architectural & structural designs, services designs, bills of quantities and NEMA Approvals.
• Basic accounting and reporting requirements.
• Financial and non-financial covenants.