Debt Recovery Officer (Field-Based) Tandiza Zambia Finance Ltd

As a Debt Recovery Officer, you will play a crucial role in recovering outstanding debts owed to our micro-financial institution. Your primary responsibility will be to engage with debtors, negotiate payment arrangements, and ensure the successful recovery of delinquent accounts. This position involves frequent field visits to meet debtors in person.

Responsibilities

1. Debt Recovery Field Visits:

• Conduct regular field visits to debtors’ locations (residences, businesses, etc.) to discuss outstanding debts.
• Assess debtors’ financial situations, understand their challenges, and negotiate repayment terms.
• Maintain a professional demeanor while interacting with debtors and adhere to ethical practices

2. Account Management:

• Keep track of assigned accounts to identify outstanding debts.
• Prioritise accounts based on urgency and recovery potential.
• Plan a course of action to recover outstanding payments

3. Communication and Negotiation:

• Locate and contact debtors to inquire about their payment status.
• Initiate contact through phone calls, letters, or in-person visits.
• Negotiate payoff deadlines, payment plans, and settlements.
• Handle questions, complaints, and concerns from debtors.

4. Collaboration and Team work

• Work closely with the Loan officers and Finance & Operations Manager.
• Assess customer credit risk and develop effective debt recovery strategies.
• Provide regular updates on progress and challenges faced during field visits

5. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of interactions with debtors.
• Document negotiation outcomes, payment agreements, and any relevant information.
• Prepare detailed reports for management, highlighting progress and challenges

6. Legal Compliance

• Familiarize yourself with relevant debt recovery laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements during the recovery process.
• Escalate cases to legal authorities when necessary.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in debt recovery, preferably in a field-based role.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to handle difficult conversations with debtors.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in using relevant software tools (e.g., CRM systems, Excel).
• Understanding of legal aspects related to debt recovery.

Required Competencies:

1. Empathy and Resilience:

• Ability to empathize with debtors’ situations while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Resilience to handle rejection, difficult emotions, and challenging interactions.

2. Negotiation Skills:

• Proficient in negotiating payment terms, settlements, and repayment plans.
• Persuasive communication to encourage debtors to fulfill their obligations.

3. Problem-Solving:

• Analytical mindset to assess debtors’ financial circumstances and propose viable solutions.
• Creative problem-solving to overcome obstacles during debt recovery.

4. Attention to Detail:

• Accurate record-keeping and documentation.
• Thoroughness in assessing account information and identifying discrepancies.

5. Ethical Conduct:

• Adherence to ethical standards and legal guidelines.
• Honesty and integrity in all interactions with debtors.

Working Conditions:

• Field-Based: You will spend a significant portion of your time in the field, visiting debtors’ locations.
• Travel: Regular travel within the assigned region is required.
• Flexible Hours: Some evening or weekend work may be necessary to accommodate debtors’ schedules.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based incentives tied to successful debt recovery.