Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer (md/ceo)

Job Summary

Rima Microfinance Bank is an established Microfinance Bank currently strengthening its operations and expanding its digital banking services.

We are looking for a practical, commercially minded and hands-on Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer to lead the Bank through its next stage of growth.

The successful candidate will be based primarily in Abuja, where the Bank's digital transformation, partnerships and strategic activities are coordinated. The role will require occasional travel to the Bank's Goronyo/Sokoto operations a few times during the year or whenever operationally necessary.

This is not a role requiring the background or structure of a large commercial bank. We are looking for someone who understands microfinance banking, small-bank operations, customer growth, credit, deposits, regulatory compliance and digital financial services, and who can work effectively with a lean management team.

Key Responsibilities

The MD/CEO will be responsible for:

• Providing overall leadership and day-to-day management of the Bank.
• Implementing the strategy and decisions approved by the Board.
• Supervising the Bank's key functions, including Operations, Finance, Credit/Risk, Compliance and Technology.
• Strengthening internal controls, accountability and operational discipline.
• Growing customer deposits and improving customer acquisition.
• Developing responsible lending products suitable for individuals, salary earners, traders, SMEs and other eligible customers.
• Monitoring loan quality, collections and recoveries.
• Ensuring adequate liquidity and responsible treasury management.
• Maintaining effective relationships with CBN, NDIC, settlement banks, NIBSS and other financial-sector partners.
• Ensuring regulatory returns and reports are accurate and submitted on time.
• Working closely with the Bank's technology team and service providers on mobile banking, payments, digital onboarding and other fintech initiatives.
• Supporting the expansion of agency banking, POS and other digital distribution channels.
• Managing and developing a small but growing team.
• Providing clear monthly operational and financial reports to the Board.
• Ensuring that the Bank remains compliant, profitable and operationally sound.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates should possess:

• A minimum of a first degree or equivalent in any discipline.
• At least 8 years post-qualification experience.
• At least 5 years' experience within the financial services industry.
• At least 3 years' experience at senior management level.
• Practical experience in microfinance banking, retail banking, financial services or a closely related institution.
• Good understanding of credit, deposits, branch operations, internal controls and financial management.
• Good knowledge of CBN and NDIC regulatory requirements applicable to Microfinance Banks.
• Microfinance Certification Programme (MCP) / Certificate in Microfinance Banking issued by CIBN.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving ability.
• Good commercial judgement and the ability to grow a small financial institution responsibly.
• Reasonable understanding of digital banking, electronic payments, fintech and technology-enabled financial services.
• The applicable MFB guidelines prescribe the first-degree/equivalent requirement, at least 8 years post-qualification experience, including 5 years in financial services and 3 years at senior-management level, together with practical microfinance competence and MCP/CIBN certification.

Preferred Background

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who currently work or have previously worked as:

• Managing Director of a Microfinance Bank;
• Deputy Managing Director;
• Head of Operations;
• Regional/Area Manager;
• Senior Branch Manager;
• Head of Business Development;
• Head of Credit; or another senior management role within a Microfinance Bank or similar financial institution.
• Experience working in a small or medium-sized Microfinance Bank will be a strong advantage.
• Experience in digital banking, fintech partnerships, agency banking, mobile banking or payment services will also be an advantage.

Who We Are Looking For

The right candidate should be:

• Hands-on and comfortable working in a relatively small institution.
• Able to operate without the large support structure of a commercial bank.
• Commercially minded but disciplined about credit and risk.
• Capable of working directly with staff and solving operational problems.
• Comfortable with technology and digital banking.
• Able to build a business while maintaining strong regulatory and internal controls.
• Comfortable working primarily from Abuja while supervising operations in Sokoto.
• Interested in helping build and modernise a growing Microfinance Bank rather than simply occupying an executive title.

Remuneration: Competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications and the size of the institution. The package will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Regulatory Condition

The successful candidate's appointment will be subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in accordance with applicable Microfinance Bank regulations.