Description
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO) is on an exciting growth trajectory to meet the needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the country. To drive this vision forward, the Corporation is seeking competent and talented individuals to fill two pivotal leadership roles. The SMEDCO invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Operations Director. The successful candidate will play a critical role in steering the Corporation's strategic operations and developmental mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities
Lending Operations: Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Corporation's lending operations, ensuring alignment with SMEDCO's strategic mandate as a development finance institution.
• Credit Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full credit lifecycle, including loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, portfolio monitoring, and collections, ensuring portfolio quality and financial sustainability.
• Infrastructure Management: Direct the Corporation's infrastructure development and management portfolio, including the acquisition, development, and maintenance of SMEDCO's physical assets and business infrastructure.
• Capacity Building: Lead the design and delivery of entrepreneurship training, capacity building, and business development programmes for MSMEs, ensuring effective skills transfer and enterprise sustainability.
• Brand & Market Penetration: Oversee the Corporation's marketing, communications, and brand management functions, driving visibility, stakeholder engagement, and market penetration for SMEDCO products and services.
• Policy & Compliance: Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and systems that enhance efficiency, mitigate risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Workforce Leadership: Provide strategic leadership in workforce planning, resource allocation, and performance management across the Operations Division.
• Digital Transformation: Drive digital transformation of operational processes, including loan management systems, client relationship management, and data analytics for informed decision-making.
• Stakeholder Partnerships: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, development partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to expand SMEDCO's reach and impact.
• Strategic Reporting: Prepare and present operational reports, portfolio performance analyses, and strategic recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer.


Qualifications and Experience
A recognised Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, MSc in Finance, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' experience in a banking, development finance, or financial services environment, with at least five (5) years in senior management.
• Demonstrated experience in a credit-focused Development Finance Institution (DFI), with a proven track record in MSME lending, portfolio management, and risk mitigation.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to drive operational excellence, innovation, and organisational transformation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with Integrated Results-Based Management (IRBM) frameworks is an advantage.