Position is open
Level:
Place: Data
Pezesha is a fast-growing digital credit provider and financing platform focused on serving underserved SMEs in Kenya and Uganda. As we continue to scale our impact and strengthen our credit operations, we are seeking a full-time Senior Data & Risk Manager (Consultant) to evaluate credit portfolio performance, enhance risk management processes, and drive automation and analytics across both markets.
This is a 12-month, full-time consulting contract, with potential for renewal based on performance and evolving business needs.
1. Credit Risk & Portfolio Management
Develop frameworks for monitoring and managing credit operations, ensuring healthy portfolios across SME and embedded finance segments.
Leverage data and automation to improve portfolio quality and operational efficiency.
Design and implement underwriting standards; mentor credit officers on policy, risk assessment, decisioning, and mitigation.
Provide strategic recommendations to reduce concentration risk and enhance portfolio diversification.
2. Data Science, Modeling & AI Integration
Collaborate with the data science team to build, iterate, and scale AI-driven credit and collections models using alternative data sources.
Enhance operational efficiency through machine learning and predictive analytics.
Implement and maintain model monitoring, validation, and back-testing frameworks to ensure consistent performance.
3. Data Strategy & Governance
Update and execute Pezesha’s data and AI strategy, covering governance, architecture, analytics, and data quality.
Collaborate with technology teams to optimize infrastructure costs and align data outputs with business processes.
Maintain regulatory compliance and ethical use of AI across all data systems.
4. Risk Insights & Forecasting
Work with finance to refine and deploy ECL and portfolio forecasting methodologies.
Develop and iterate collections scorecards and recovery analytics to enhance repayment performance and minimize losses.
Produce insights and dashboards that support proactive risk management decisions.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Finance, Credit Operations, and Product teams to drive data-informed decisions.
Support institutional investor relations, including origination analytics, liquidity modeling, and reporting.
Prepare data, risk, and credit presentations for leadership and external stakeholders.
6. Capacity Building & Leadership
Mentor and train internal data, risk, and credit teams on data science techniques, analytics, and automation tools.
Lead initiatives to enhance analytical capabilities and promote a data-driven culture.
7. Process Optimization & Automation
Review and automate credit and collections workflows, reducing manual intervention.
Use AI tools to streamline reporting, improve decision-making, and enhance system reliability.
Management Information System (MIS)
Design and deploy automated dashboards displaying portfolio and collections performance, including real-time indicators of portfolio health.
Embedded Finance (EF) and SME Model Enhancements
Develop, test, and refine models by incorporating new data sources and improving AI validation processes.
Process Optimization & Automation
Identify workflow gaps and introduce automated solutions that reduce turnaround times and manual dependencies.
Data Strategy & Governance
Update and operationalize Pezesha’s data and AI strategy, ensuring compliance and improved data quality.
Risk & Recovery Insights
Deliver refined ECL models and collections scorecards with actionable insights to improve recovery rates and reduce portfolio risk.
Capacity Building
Conduct structured staff training on data analytics, reporting systems, and AI tools, ensuring practical application.
Portfolio Performance Improvement
Achieve measurable improvements, including:
>97% repayment rate
<15% PAR 30+
>90% on-time repayment (OTR)
Positive gross margins and improved risk-adjusted returns
Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Finance, or related field.
Minimum 6 years of experience in data science, analytics, or credit risk management (preferably in fintech or financial services or banking sector).
Strong technical skills in Python, R, SQL, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
Proven ability to leverage AI, machine learning, and predictive modeling for credit risk and fraud detection.
Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring data teams.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.
Delivery of all required dashboards, models, and process improvements on schedule.
Measurable improvement in portfolio quality, efficiency, and automation.
Successful execution of data governance and AI strategy updates.
Enhanced internal team capacity through training and mentorship.
Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to jobs@pezesha.com, clearly indicating “Consultant – Senior Data & Risk Manager” in the subject line.
Application Deadline: 30th November 2025