Relationship Manager, Micro SME

About the Organization

Absa Group operates through NBC, one of Tanzania’s longest-standing banks, with more than 50 years in the market. The bank serves retail, business, corporate, investment banking, and wealth management customers.

Role Overview

This position is responsible for expanding the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (Micro-SME) portfolio in line with the bank’s policies, procedures, and growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

The role spans business development, product support, and risk control for the Micro-SME segment.

Business Growth

• Build and sustain strong relationships with both current and prospective Micro-SME clients, serving as the main point of contact for this segment.
• Work with branches to spot and negotiate opportunities that help grow the business in line with annual targets.
• Plan and run customer forums, focus groups, and workshops to better understand client needs, improve retention, and strengthen loyalty.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to support Micro-SME growth while protecting the bank’s interests.
• Track sales leads end-to-end, keeping the pipeline moving from first engagement through to contract completion across branches.
• Help design business workflows, operating procedures, and process improvements.
• Support the Manager, Micro-SME Lending in sourcing and managing guarantee funds to improve security coverage for the loan book.
• Assist branches with credit structuring and assessment of Micro-SME loan applications so facilities are approved in line with bank policy.
• Review portfolio performance and suggest corrective actions to keep results aligned with approved targets and indicators.
• Help branches mobilize deposits from Micro-SME customers to support retail liability goals.
• Compare the bank’s products and services with competitors and recommend enhancements where needed.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities across branches for future Micro-SME growth.
• Monitor loan portfolio quality to ensure it remains within acceptable risk limits.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Product Development

• Work with the product team to improve existing offerings and create new solutions suited to Micro-SME customers, ensuring training and launch activities follow bank procedures.
• Assess how efficiently Micro-SME products are performing and recommend corrective measures when needed.
• Partner with the product team to review pricing and keep Micro-SME products competitive in the market.
• Maintain an updated product catalogue for the Micro-SME segment.

Risk Management

• Collaborate with the Credit Unit on updates to credit policies and procedure manuals to reflect market, industry, and regulatory changes in Micro-SME lending.
• Resolve risk, compliance, or audit matters linked to the Micro-SME business.
• Ensure all business activity follows Micro-SME procedures.
• Help branches monitor the Micro-SME portfolio and take or recommend interventions when performance slips below targets.
• Support branches in ensuring loan covenant compliance.
• Contribute to the development of operating flows, procedures, and processes.

Education and Experience

The role calls for a first degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Agribusiness, Banking, Economics, Planning, or a related discipline from a recognized institution. A master’s degree or banking certification will be an added advantage. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in the banking industry, with prior Micro-SME lending experience in a financial institution considered a plus. A strong understanding of microfinance lending and a track record of building client relationships and delivering solutions for the lower end of the banking pyramid are important.

Additional Requirements

The job requires the ability to work in a demanding environment, including travel to upcountry locations. Candidates should understand microfinance products and services well, be self-driven and innovative, and be able to lead change. Strong knowledge of banking operations and financial markets in Tanzania is essential, along with solid analytical, quantitative, problem-solving, credit structuring, and analysis skills. Excellent English and Kiswahili communication, numerical ability, report writing, and presentation skills are needed, as well as strong computer skills in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Leadership, stakeholder management, interpersonal, and networking capabilities are also important, along with the ability to prioritize effectively and perform under pressure.

Skills and Competencies

• Business and credit analysis
• Financial analysis
• Credit management
• Negotiation and selling
• Client relationship management
• Report writing and presentation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Analytical thinking
• Leadership and team coordination
• Commercial and market awareness

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies is mentioned in the role profile, along with competency expectations around commercial mindset, customer service, digital familiarity, communication, product knowledge, sales management, adaptability, and experience in a similar environment.

Who Can Apply

Professionals with banking experience and exposure to Micro-SME or microfinance lending, especially those who can manage client relationships, assess credit, and support portfolio growth in Tanzania, are well suited for this role.

Additional Notes

No salary, allowance, or vacancy count was specified in the source. The role is based in Tanzania and is intended for on-site work.