Senior Credit Analyst: Mining, Project Finance & Oil and Gas

At Absa, we're committed to fostering Africa's growth and are seeking a seasoned professional to join our Project Finance Credit Risk team in Sandton. This is an opportunity to become part of a dynamic organisation with a rich history and a forward-thinking approach to shaping the future of African finance. As a Senior Credit Analyst, you will play a crucial role in managing a portfolio of clients within the vital Resources, Project Finance, and Oil & Gas sectors.

About the Role

Your primary responsibility will be to expertly manage a dedicated portfolio of clients, ensuring robust credit risk management throughout their entire lifecycle. This involves conducting thorough credit risk assessments and reviews, identifying and mitigating potential risks, and proposing commercially sound solutions based on comprehensive financial, industry, and economic analysis. You will be instrumental in facilitating the credit sanctioning process, making informed recommendations to relevant risk committees, and ensuring responsible decision-making.

This position requires a proactive approach to managing the full spectrum of credit activities, from initial facility granting and implementation to ongoing post-implementation monitoring. You will be accountable for the accurate maintenance of data within risk systems, ensuring all information is up-to-date and reflects the current client and portfolio status.

The Senior Credit Analyst will be entrusted with significant accountability for credit risk management within their assigned portfolio. This includes:

• **Comprehensive Credit Lifecycle Management:** Taking ownership of all credit-related activities for a defined portfolio of Resource & Project Finance clients, spanning the granting, implementation, management, and potential restructuring of credit facilities.
• **In-depth Risk Assessment:** Conducting detailed credit risk assessments, analysing financial statements, industry trends, and economic factors to present clear and commercially viable insights.
• **Facilitating Sanctioning:** Preparing credit applications and presenting well-reasoned recommendations to various risk committees, thereby contributing to sound credit decisions.
• **Portfolio Monitoring and Reporting:** Undertaking regular portfolio reviews, managing exposures, and generating insightful management information (MI) reports for senior leadership. This includes providing detailed analysis and commentary on portfolio risk composition, trends, and emerging issues.
• **Covenant and Condition Adherence:** Continuously monitoring adherence to loan covenants and conditions, proactively identifying any deviations and potential concerns.
• **Due Diligence and Documentation:** Maintaining an accurate due diligence record for each client, detailing all facilities, associated terms and conditions, and managing the risks related to outstanding securities.
• **Relationship Management:** Independently building and nurturing relationships with key internal business partners to ensure alignment with the organisation's strategic objectives and to facilitate efficient and timely risk delivery to clients.
• **Systems and Process Improvement:** Contributing feedback and participating in the ongoing development of credit risk systems and tools to enhance automation and efficiency within the credit function.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates will possess a strong educational background and relevant experience. The ideal candidate will hold a B-degree in Business, Commerce, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification such as a CA(SA) or CFA is highly preferable.

Essential experience includes:

• A minimum of five years within a credit risk environment.
• Specific sector experience within Mining, Oil & Gas, or Project Finance is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive credit risk assessments and present findings effectively.
• Proven experience in managing a client portfolio throughout its credit lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, industry dynamics, and economic principles relevant to the target sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Proficiency in developing insightful management information and presenting complex information clearly.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, with a commitment to upholding governance and compliance standards.

This role is ideal for a credit professional who is adept at navigating complex financial landscapes and is eager to contribute to the growth and stability of critical African industries. Absa is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

 

Education and Experience Required

• B-degree in Business or Commerce (or similar)

• Relevant postgraduate qualification such as CA(SA) / CFA preferable with 5 years experience within a credit risk environment or relevant sector experience (Mining, Oil & Gas, Project Finance).

 

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised