Repayment Associate

Reporting to: Repayment Manager

Department: Repayments

Chancen International is a nonprofit organization that provides an ethical, fair, and responsible financing model for young people in Africa to access quality tertiary education. Through our innovative Income Share Agreement (ISA) model, we enable students to pursue higher education without financial barriers, covering tuition fees during their studies. Graduates then repay a proportion of their income once employed, creating a sustainable funding cycle that benefits future generations. By empowering young Africans with education, we also support their transition to meaningful employment and sustainable income, fostering economic mobility and unlocking their potential to contribute to their communities and economies

Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, and operating in four countries—Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana—Chancen International has, to date, supported over 5,000 young people in accessing education that leads to dignified work opportunities. Our focus on traditionally excluded populations ensures that marginalized youth acquire the skills needed to thrive in the workforce, actively participating in building strong economies and peaceful nations.

Chancen International’s vision extends beyond financing. We strive to create a safe, inclusive environment where individuals can flourish and achieve their full potential. Recognizing education as a vehicle for societal transformation, we believe that African youth are ready to tackle the challenges that have held their continent back when they are fairly and responsibly empowered.

To amplify our impact, Chancen launched the Future of Work Fund, an investment initiative designed to equip the next generation of African leaders with employable skills while delivering blended returns to investors. Even during global challenges like the COVID-19 crisis, our ISA model proved resilient, ensuring continuity in education and widening access for youth in need. Chancen International remains committed to scaling our impact and transforming access to education, employment, and sustainable income across the continent.

Main Job Purpose:

The Repayment Associate is responsible for managing Income Share Agreement (ISA) recoveries and maintaining a low-risk repayment portfolio. This involves tracking and updating repayment schedules, engaging with Chancen Members for repayment reminders, and addressing concerns professionally. The role also includes generating detailed performance reports, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex cases effectively. Through these responsibilities, the Repayment Associate plays a key role in sustaining Chancen International’s ethical and sustainable financing model

Roles, Responsibilities, and Duties

1. ISA Recovery Management

• Maintaining an up-to-date tracker that details when students are expected to attend a pre-graduation and start paying their ISA.
• Liaise with the Member Affairs & Compliance Manager to ensure that all pre-planning activities are completed well before the pre-graduation meetings.
• Ensure that all data collected during and after the pre-graduation meetings is captured in the tracker and the CBS system.

2. Portfolio Management 

• Use various communication channels to trace and establish contact with Chancen Members to send repayment reminders and receipts.
• Manage an accurate portfolio database of all the Chancen Members assigned for internal and external reporting purposes.
• Maintain updated records of all demographics, collection audit trail, and payment data of the Chancen Members in assigned portfolio on Salesforce and CBS system
• Ensure that all collection processes and efforts undertaken are in line with relevant company policies and the National Credit Act.
• Escalating Severe Cases: Identifying high-risk ISAs and escalating cases that are not resolved through standard collection methods.
• Coordinating with legal teams or external collection agencies to pursue further actions if necessary (e.g., legal proceedings).

3. Reporting & Analytics

• Submitting and presenting weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on portfolio performance.
• Presenting strategies that can support you in maintaining a Portfolio at Risk of 2% or less.
• Escalate cases of severe default to the Repayments Manager.

4. Customer Service:

• Providing members with clear and accurate information regarding their ISA, including outstanding balances, repayment options, and consequences of non-payment.
• Addressing concerns and disputes raised by members in a professional and empathetic manner.

5. Compliance 

• Ensuring that all collection activities comply with relevant laws and regulations (e.g., Fair Debt Collection Practices , CRB Act, local financial regulations).
• Following internal policies and procedures related to collections, payment processing, and reporting.

Educational Qualifications and Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualifications

Minimum Diploma in Business Management/Finance or similar relevant field.

Technical Skills, Competencies, and Experience

• 2+ years of work experience in Microfinance or SACCO
• Excellent communication skills
• Time management and organization skills.
• Analytical and numerical skills
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Customer handling techniques
• Excellent report writing skills.
• The ability to plan and meet deadlines
• Patience and resilience
• Legal Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant collections laws.