Business Counsellor/Field Officer I

The job entails the processing of loans and the provision of business advisory services to small and micro entrepreneurs, along with the subsequent monitoring and supervision of loans.

Education and Requirements:

• A first degree in Agriculture Science, Economics, Business Management, or a related field, or

• A Diploma from the Guyana School of Agriculture or University of Guyana with a minimum of two years related experience.

• A valid driver’s license is compulsory

• Computer literacy: Microsoft Office Suite.

• Knowledge of agricultural practices would be an asset

• Good verbal and written communication skills

·        Identification of potential clients by making field visits in the target communities through group meetings person to person, door-to-door/business-to-business interactions.

·        Establish a network within the various communities in order to reach out to persons who cannot be met otherwise.

·        Interview prospective applicants in the office and on field visits, and once their proposals fit IPED’s lending framework, request specific information of the loan applicant (i.e., issuing of a requirement list specific to the particular business proposal).

·        Take applications once the entire requirement list is fulfilled and make an appointment to conduct an appraisal visit.

·        Conduct appraisal of prospective clients/projects; (an appraisal is an objective analysis of all aspects of the project).

·        Process applicants by analysing the information obtained from applicants and from appraisal visits in collaboration with IPED’s credit policies and five ‘C’ of credit (see credit manual) to determine the feasibility of granting the loan/funding the project.

·        Ensure that credit reaches the right borrowers i.e., persons who deserve and have the potential to repay the loan.

·        Recommend loan applications for approval to the Branch Manager/ Officer in Charge or to the Credit Committee through the Branch Manager/ Officer in Charge.

·        Notify applicants of loan approval and invite them to participate in the disbursement procedures.

·        At the time of disbursement, documentation explains in detail the terms and conditions of the loan and also the importance of timely payment of installments. 

·        Prepare the disbursement request and recommend the same to the Branch Manager/ Officer in Charge.

·        At least two field visits per week must be conducted to collect payments, progress in meeting business goals, and overall business performance.

·        Collecting payments and properly accounting for the same. (Fund collected must be handed over to the cashier on the same day or placed in the night deposit box and handed over to the cashier on the next working day)

·        Report all emerging problem loans to the Branch Manager/Officer in Charge as soon as weaknesses are detected and recommend possible actions.

·        Any other tasks that maybe assigned by the Branch Manager/Officer in Charge.