Job description

Company Overview

_able is revolutionizing financial services across emerging markets through its advanced Digital Banking Platform. The platform enables partners to launch financial products embedded into familiar digital channels for customers. Built on a foundation of data-driven insights, the platform supports everything from credit scoring to marketing segmentation.

The platform consists of three main layers:

API Integration Layer for seamless system connectivity
Module Layer offering customizable components tailored to partners
Services Layer delivering expertise in portfolio management, scoring, and communications

This design facilitates embedding credit and savings products into any partner channel for broad accessibility and contextual relevance, serving diverse use cases including MNOs, fintech firms, and banks.

Role Summary

_able aims to triple its live portfolio and expand product offerings across multiple markets by 2027. The Portfolio Manager will lead financial health, credit strategy, and performance optimization for digital lending products, managing the lifecycle and dynamics of credit portfolios in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, and additional expansion markets.

Key Responsibilities

Assume full financial accountability for credit portfolios, balancing growth and credit risk to achieve revenue and margin goals.
Monitor unit economics and portfolio yields across products and partners for sustainable commercial success.
Develop and continuously refine data-driven credit eligibility, underwriting rules, and conversion models to maximize safe lending funnel throughput.
Identify promising customer segments and design dynamic credit limit graduation schemes that reward performance and optimize lifetime value.
Implement and oversee A/B and multivariate testing protocols on risk models, product features, and portfolio parameters.
Collaborate with data, product, and operations teams to maintain a rigorous experimentation agenda and capture portfolio insights.
Engage directly with bank and MNO partners to improve conversion rates and retention strategies.
Create forecasting models for disbursements, loan scaling trajectories, and capital needs.
Conduct in-depth analysis of portfolio quality metrics using SQL and/or Python, tracking vintage health, NPLs, and customer behavior.
Lead cross-functional initiatives with Product, Operations, and Data Science groups to refine portfolio and engagement.
Coordinate with partners on customer communications, branding, and compliance with regulations.

Candidate Profile

5 to 8 years’ experience in portfolio management, credit risk, financial analysis or quantitative risk within retail lending or financial services.
Proficiency in SQL and/or Python for advanced data querying, financial analysis, and risk reporting automation.
Demonstrated success managing digital credit portfolios with P&L accountability, either directly or shared.
Strong commercial acumen understanding how risk frameworks and credit policies influence financial outcomes.
Experience operating across multiple markets and working with diverse stakeholders in dynamic growth environments.

Preferred: Experience with fintech, digital credit startups, mobile money platforms, or financial services in emerging markets.
Knowledge of predictive credit scoring and automated risk decision systems.
Academic background in quantitative disciplines such as Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, or Corporate Finance.

Role Characteristics

This position serves as a key commercial lever beyond traditional risk tracking, influencing product and platform success.
It offers significant leadership exposure across markets, involving collaboration with senior executives and industry partners.
It provides an opportunity to design credit risk strategies that impact financial inclusion across emerging market ecosystems.

Company Culture

_able fosters a fast-paced, high-performing environment focused on democratizing financial access in emerging markets. The team operates across multiple African offices with frequent travel to maintain strong partnerships. While remote work is possible by arrangement, in-person presence is valued to maximize results.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance for employees and dependents
Group bonus scheme
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Mental health and wellness support platform
Opportunities for internal and external learning and development

Portfolio Manager