Credit Risk Manager Africa

Yara International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Yara International seeks an experienced Credit Risk Manager to enhance cash flow efficiency and credit risk practices across African operations. This strategic leadership role involves managing credit risk policies, collaborating with internal teams, and ensuring compliance while fostering relationships with financial institutions. Candidates must have 3-5 years of relevant experience and a solid educational background in finance, with a focus on the agricultural sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in credit risk management in the African market.
• High proficiency in financial analysis and credit dynamics.
• Deep understanding of credit risk factors in agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the creditworthiness of clients and borrowers in the African market.
• Develop credit risk management strategies and frameworks.
• Monitor credit risk exposure and provide regular reports to management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative skills

Credit risk management

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance

Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA)

Tools

DebiTEX

MS Office

Job description

We at Yara are part of a global network, collaborating to profitably and responsibly solve some of the world's key challenges - resource scarcity, food insecurity and environmental change.

About the Unit

Based in Sandton, Jhb, we are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking Credit Risk Manager to lead credit risk management and working capital optimization across our African operations. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for improving cash flow efficiency across all markets and ensuring disciplined credit risk practices that support business growth, resilience, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in the agricultural sector, particularly in fertilizer or input financing, and a strong understanding of credit dynamics at farmer level. This role requires full ownership of the credit and working capital strategy, active participation in M&A projects, leadership in digital risk innovation, and responsibility for regional due diligence and bank partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate the creditworthiness of clients and borrowers within the African market, ensuring adherence to credit risk policies and guidelines.
• Develop and implement effective credit risk management strategies and frameworks, aligning with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive credit risk analysis and due diligence on potential borrowers, utilizing financial models and industry-specific risk assessment tools.
• Monitor and continuously assess credit risk exposure across the portfolio, analysing trends and identifying potential risks or areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with various internal teams, including underwriters, finance, and legal, to streamline credit risk processes and ensure consistent decision-making.

Responsibilities Continued

• Review and analyse credit documentation, loan agreements, and collateral requirements, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulatory guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including credit rating agencies, banks, regulatory bodies, and other financial institutions.
• Provide guidance and training to teams involved in credit risk activities, ensuring a thorough understanding of credit risk management principles and best practices.
• Monitor and provide regular reports on credit risk metrics, key performance indicators, and portfolio trends to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA) are preferred.
• Proven experience in credit risk management within the African market, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk management principles, methodologies, and regulatory frameworks within the African context.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assess complex financial data and make sound credit risk decisions.
• Familiarity with risk assessment tools, credit scoring models, and underwriting practices.
• Excellent understanding of industry-specific credit risk factors and market dynamics in the African market.
• Proficiency in using financial analysis software (DebiTEX), risk management systems, and MS Office applications.

Knowledge grows through differences
Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do. To deliver on this, Yara has firmly anchoredDiversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in our business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in D&I ambassadors networks.

As part of our recruitment process, where permitted by local law, we may conduct reference and background checks. These checks will only be performed when deemed necessary for the nature of the job. Candidates will be informed by HR before any background checks are initiated.