Field Fraud Operations & Investigation Officer: Zambia
Location: Chibombo
Apollo Agriculture is a leading agri-fintech platform empowering small-scale farmers across Africa to increase their profits and farm more sustainably. Apollo uses artificial intelligence and automated operations to unlock the massive, untapped small-scale farming market. Apollo enables farmers to access the optimized financing, high-quality farm products, expert digital advice, and risk management solutions they need to invest and scale their businesses. Apollo has served around 400K small-scale farmers till date across Kenya and Zambia (Apollo Agritech) with robust unit economics. Apollo partners with key global agriculture companies like Bayer, OCP, and Yara, and is backed by Anthemis, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Flourish Ventures, Leaps by Bayer, and Softbank Vision Fund. Apollo’s team brings together technology, credit, and operations experience from The Climate Corporation, Google, Capital One, Revolut, and One Acre
Fund.About the Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with an eye for detail to join our team as a Field Fraud Operations & Investigation Officer. The officer will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of our loan programs by addressing fraudulent activities among our staff, customers, and all other parties transacting with Apollo Agritech. Your key responsibilities will involve mitigating financial risks associated with fraudulent farmers. Additionally, you will be responsible for supporting the loan recovery process from fraud customers.
This is a one year renewable contract based on performance and business needs.
Responsibilities:
Investigations and Reporting: Gather relevant information on reported fraud cases, including identifying perpetrators, key witnesses, evidence, and the fraudsters’ modus operandi. Compile comprehensive investigation reports with clear findings and recommendations to support business decision-making. Book verified fraud cases at the relevant police stations and obtain OB numbers and investigation officer details.Follow-up and Case Management: Monitor and follow up on farmers flagged for suspicious behavior through field verification, and maintain regular follow-ups on cases reported to the police while providing status updates.Collaboration and Legal Support: Work closely with the Fraud Call Centre team and respond to field support requests. Support the investigation and prosecution process by coordinating with local administration and criminal justice officials, mobilizing witnesses for court appearances, and recording complainant and witness statements on behalf of the company.Loan Recovery: Take proactive steps to ensure full repayment and recovery of loans owed by fraudulent farmers or agents, including recovering outstanding funds from identified fraudsters.Intelligence and Trend Monitoring: Gather intelligence from farmers, agro-dealers, staff, and the public to support fraud detection and deterrence. Identify and report emerging fraud trends within specific regions or geographic areas.Compliance, Training and Awareness: Conduct random spot checks on agro-dealers and farmers to ensure compliance with Apollo SOPs. Provide fraud awareness training to Field Sales Agents and staff, and sensitize farmers on fraud risks and consequences.
Requirements:
Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field, with a preference for Criminology or Forensic Investigations.An understanding of the Zambia Criminal Procedure (Investigations, arrests, and Prosecution process)Proficiency in conducting investigations and compiling detailed reports.Fluent in both written and spoken English. Proficiency in spoken vernacular languages is an added advantage.Self-motivated and capable of working remotely with minimal supervision.Strong computer skills with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Windows, Excel, and spreadsheet software.Access to a stable internet connection.Demonstrates high integrity and excellent customer service skills.The role shall be based in Chibombo, but the candidate should be Flexible to wide travel across the country based on operational demands Must possess a Police Clearance Certificate, indicating no previous criminal records.Experience in the Agritech sector will be an added advantage.A police or military background is an added advantage