Job Summary

The Team Leader – Trade Finance Operations is responsible for overseeing the execution of both standard and customized trade finance transactions while ensuring compliance with internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and international trade finance standards. The role focuses on operational excellence, risk management, transaction accuracy, and high-quality client service delivery.

The position also acts as a key liaison between clients, internal departments, and external counterparties to support efficient and secure trade operations.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Finance Operations

• Oversee processing and execution of:
  • Letters of Credit
  • Collections
  • Guarantees
  • Standby Letters of Credit
  • Supply Chain Finance transactions
• Ensure all trade finance transactions comply with:
  • Internal procedures
  • Regulatory requirements
  • International trade standards
• Supervise transaction review, reconciliation, and documentation management.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of trade transactions.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and escalate:
  • Operational risks
  • Compliance risks
  • Credit risks
• Ensure compliance with:
  • AML/CFT regulations
  • Sanctions screening requirements
  • International trade regulations
• Maintain adherence to ICC trade finance guidelines and banking standards.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a key contact point between:
  • Clients
  • Internal stakeholders
  • External counterparties
• Handle complex customer queries professionally and efficiently.
• Support seamless trade flows and protect the bank’s reputation.

Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead and develop a high-performing trade operations team.
• Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of trade finance systems and digital transformation projects.
• Prepare operational reports, trend analysis, and performance insights.

Requirements

Education

• First Degree from a recognized institution.

Professional Certifications

• Certified Trade Specialist qualification such as:
  • CDCS
  • CSDG
  • CITR
  • Or equivalent
• AML/CTF certifications and risk management qualifications are an added advantage.

Experience

• 3–4 years banking experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in Trade Operations.
• Proven experience in:
  • Structuring trade finance transactions
  • Processing trade finance instruments
  • Risk identification and mitigation
• Experience working in fast-paced operational environments.

Technical Competencies

• Trade Finance Products Knowledge
• ICC Rules Knowledge:
  • UCP 600
  • ISBP
  • URC
  • URDG
• Risk Identification & Escalation
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
• Operational Excellence
• Trade Finance Documentation Management
• Project Leadership
• Trend Analysis & Reporting

Behavioral Competencies

• Articulating Information
• Developing Expertise
• Directing People
• Embracing Change
• Examining Information
• Making Decisions
• Resolving Conflict
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards