Financing Officer

About HASSEL Microfinance Institution:

Hassel Microfinance Institution is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Agriculture Development Fund. Hassel is a standalone financial institution that provides microfinancing to the entire agriculture value chain. Hassel was established in November 2024 and received an operational license from the Central Bank of Afghanistan (DAB). Hassel is a national microfinance institution exclusively supporting agricultural and livestock businesses. Through Shariah-compliant financing products, Hassel provides accessible financial services designed for the agricultural sector, empowering both male and female clients to enhance productivity and sustainability. With a mission to uplift farmers and agribusinesses, Hassel aims to improve economic growth, resilience, and improved quality of life across agricultural communities.

The Financing Officer in HASSEL Microfinance Institution is responsible for identifying potential clients, evaluating Financing applications, disbursing Financing, and ensuring timely repayments. The role involves conducting financial assessments, monitoring Financing utilization, preparing all agreements and maintaining strong relationships with clients. Financing plays a key role in supporting financial inclusion by providing access to Finance for underserved communities, including individuals, small businesses, and farmers.

Client Identification and Relationship Building:

• Identify and recruit potential clients in target communities.
• Promote the institution’s Sharia Financing products and explain terms and conditions to clients.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients to ensure long-term engagement.

Financing Assessment:

• Review and analyze financing applications from farmers, agribusiness owners, livestock producers or other business related to agricultural, livestock and irrigation.
• Conduct field visits to verify applicants' farming activities, livestock holdings, and business operations.
• Assess financing risk based on factors such as financial capacity, land ownership, agricultural productivity, market conditions, and livestock valuation.
• Ensure financing applicants meet the institution’s financing criteria and guidelines.

2. Financing Disbursement & Portfolio Management:

• Recommend financing approvals based on financial analysis and risk assessment.
• Monitor disbursed financing to ensure funds are used for the intended agricultural and livestock purposes.
• Track financing repayments and proactively follow up with clients to avoid delinquencies.
• Identify early warning signs of potential financing defaults and suggest remedial actions.

3.   Client Relationship & Financial Advisory:

• Educate farmers and livestock owners on financial management, investment strategies, and financing repayment planning.
• Provide guidance on the best agricultural practices, livestock management, and market opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure trust and long-term cooperation.

4. Risk Management & Compliance:

• Assist in ensuring that all financing operations follow Shariah guidelines, understanding basic Islamic finance concepts.

• Participate in client education sessions about Shariah-compliant financial practices
• Ensure financing activities align with the institution’s policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify risks associated with agricultural lending, such as climate-related risks, price fluctuations, and disease outbreaks in livestock.
• Recommend risk mitigation strategies for agricultural and livestock financing.
• Ensure legal contracts and Financing disbursements documents are accurate and complete.

5. Market Analysis & Business Development:

• Conduct market research to identify financing needs and growth opportunities in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, including cooperatives, suppliers, and government agencies, to support rural financial inclusion.

6. Overdue Follow up and delinquency management

• Monitor and follow up on overdue customers to ensure timely financing repayments.
• Communicate with delinquent clients to understand repayment challenges and provide possible solutions.
• Work closely with the recovery team to develop repayment plans for overdue clients.
• Conduct field visits to meet overdue customers, guarantors, and collateral owners to assess their financial situation and inform them of their obligations regarding repayment.
• Report and escalate cases of persistent non-payment to the legal or recovery team for further action.
• Conduct quarterly visits for all portfolios.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned by the direct manager.

Qualifications , Skills,  Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in microfinance, banking, or financing analysis, preferably in agriculture or livestock financing.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in Pashto and Dari is required to effectively communicate with rural clients.
• Proficiency in English is necessary for reporting and coordination with institutional partners.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of agricultural finance principles, rural financing risk assessment, and financing structuring.
• Familiarity with microfinance financing models.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial software.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• The ability to work in rural environments and travel to remote areas.
• High ethical standards and commitment to financial inclusion.

Email / Application Form: vacancies@hassel-af.org