Job Description
The Group Head Community Banking is responsible for developing and managing banking relationships with organized groups, associations, cooperatives, and community-based organizations. This role focuses on financial inclusion by providing tailored banking solutions to underserved segments through group-lending models, community engagement, and relationship management with collective entities.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategy for community banking segment aligned with bank's financial inclusion objectives and growth targets
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities within the community banking space including cooperatives, trade associations, religious groups, market associations, and social clusters
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with apex cooperative bodies, trade unions, community development associations, and other stakeholder organizations
• Set annual targets for customer acquisition, deposit mobilization, loan disbursement, and portfolio growth
• Lead innovation in product development tailored to community banking needs (group savings, cooperative loans, association financing, thrift collector programs)
• Represent the bank at community stakeholder forums, cooperative summits, and financial inclusion platforms
• Build, lead, and manage a high-performing community banking team across multiple locations/zones
• Recruit, train, and develop community banking officers and field staff with appropriate skills and competencies
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and capacity building programs for team members
• Set individual and team targets aligned with segment objectives
• Foster a culture of customer-centricity, integrity, and financial inclusion within the team
• Portfolio Management & Risk Mitigation
• Oversee community banking loan portfolio ensuring quality, growth, and compliance with credit policies
• Monitor portfolio performance metrics including NPL ratios, portfolio at risk (PAR), and delinquency rates
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for group lending including joint liability mechanisms and social collateral
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and implement remedial actions for underperforming accounts
• Approve community banking loans within delegated authority limits
• Ensure robust credit assessment processes for cooperatives and community groups
• Product Development & Service Innovation
• Design and launch community banking products addressing specific needs of target segments
• Develop group-lending methodologies, cooperative finance models, and association banking frameworks
• Create financial literacy and capacity building programs for community banking clients
• Leverage technology and digital channels to enhance community banking service delivery
• Implement innovative savings mobilization strategies including mobile money integration and agent banking models
• Stakeholder Management & Partnerships
• Cultivate relationships with cooperative federations, market leaders, religious institutions, and community development organizations
• Engage government agencies, NGOs, and development finance institutions for partnership opportunities
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Operations, Risk, Compliance, Marketing) to ensure seamless service delivery
• Represent the community banking segment in management meetings and strategic planning sessions
• Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
• Ensure all community banking activities comply with CBN regulations, AML/CFT requirements, and internal policies
• Implement robust KYC procedures for all community groups, cooperatives, and associations
• Monitor and report suspicious transactions and ensure adherence to consumer protection guidelines
• Conduct regular compliance audits of community banking operations and documentation
• Liaise with regulatory bodies on community banking and financial inclusion initiatives
• Reporting & Performance Tracking
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports on community banking segment
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend corrective actions
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities in the community banking space
• Provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation
• Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Banking, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field; MBA or Master's degree in related field preferred
• Professional certifications in Microfinance, Cooperative Management, Community Development Finance, or Banking (e.g., CIBN, ACIB, Chartered Banker) highly desirable
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in community banking, microfinance, cooperative banking, or SME banking
• At least 5 years in management/leadership roles overseeing teams and portfolios
• Proven track record in building and managing community banking or microfinance portfolios
• Experience in financial inclusion initiatives, group-lending methodologies, and cooperative finance
• Strong understanding of Nigeria's community banking ecosystem, cooperative movements, and association structures
• Ability to develop vision and execute growth
• strategies for community banking segment
• Exceptional skills in building partnerships with diverse community stakeholders
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and manage high-performing field teams