Senior Trade Finance Officers at African Development Bank

• Position title: Senior Trade Finance Officers
• Grade: PL 5
• Position N°: NA
• Reference: ADB/14/019
• Publication date: 20/06/2014
• Closing date: 11/07/2014

Objectives

The African Development Bank’s mission is to contribute to Africa’s transformation through inclusive and ‘green’ growth that is environmentally sustainable and economically empowering.  One of the core operational priorities of the Bank is private sector development. Within the Private Sector Operations Department’s OPSM, the Financial Institution Division (OPSM4) is in charge of the identification, preparation and appraisal of projects in financial sector.  More specifically, the Trade Finance Team in OPSM4 is in charge of implementing the Bank’s Trade Finance Program which entails the design and deployment of an enhanced set of financial products and preparing projects and transactions that enable the Bank play a meaningful role in the trade finance market in Africa.  The Trade Finance Team therefore comprises both the origination team and the middle/back office that is responsible for monitoring and managing the portfolio of trade finance transactions with partner financial institutions, mainly in the area of guarantees.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Division Manager and with guidance from the Lead Trade Finance Officer, the Senior Trade Finance Officer will:

• Monitor the utilisation of various trade finance limits, all revenue due to the Bank and compliance to the conditions and covenants of the signed Trade Finance Program (TFP) agreements.
• Monitor the performance of the trade finance portfolio - analyse, develop and implement changes to ensure the products remain relevant to the needs of clients.
• Participate in the administration of assigned risk sharing arrangements with partner international banks and multilateral and bilateral organisations involved in the TFP.
• Prepare regular reports on the progress of the TFP to senior management, conduct product competitor analysis and keep abreast of innovations in trade finance, monitor developments in the sector and assess their impact on the Bank’s Trade Finance Program.
• Plan and execute portfolio supervision missions to partner confirming banks and issuing banks. This includes developing terms of reference for the mission and undertaking background review of the relevant portfolio or transactions that will be the subject of the supervision mission. The work also includes assessing the risks of projects and advising senior management on appropriate mitigating measures; structuring/restructuring of projects to minimize financial risks; participating in negotiations on review of the financing terms and legal conditions of portfolio projects.
• Undertake research relevant to projects in the portfolio to improve the Trade Finance Team’s understanding of project opportunities and risks. Such research may cover general trade finance sector trends, the evolution of pricing and commissions in the trade finance market etc.
• Participate in project identification missions and the preliminary evaluation of project proposals to assess their feasibility for financial assistance and/or technical support by the Bank. This involves the initial screening of project applications, carrying out of desk reviews, preparing preliminary evaluation notes for presentation to the Department Management Team to determine a project’s suitability for inclusion in the pipeline; and the preparation of project appraisal reports for presentation to the Department, the various review committees and finally to the Board of Directors.
• Develop relationships within the Bank and with other institutions involved in the promotion of trade
• Participate in developing and promoting new trade finance products
• Perform any other duties as may be required.

Selection Criteria

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• At least a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting and Banking and preferably a professional qualification in one of the aforementioned fields.  Certification in Trade Finance and other banking specialisations requiring experience in operations and reconciliation of accounts would be an advantage.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience with good market knowledge – particularly in relation to DFI trade finance products, African trade finance market and financial analysis of financial institutions.
• Experience in project portfolio management and trade finance back office operations in financial institutions is desirable.
• Knowledge of correspondent banking relationship management.
• Good understanding of trade finance issues affecting African FIs, exporters and importers and policy issues associated with trade facilitation and regional integration.
• Strong customer focus, ability to interface effectively with clients and business contacts at a senior level.
• Ability to build partnerships and deliver results that meet the needs and long-term interest of clients within and outside the institution;
• Integrity and ability to work in team;
• Good listener with demonstrated ability to present and win support for ideas as well as make effective and timely decisions;
• The successful candidate should be methodical, analytical and someone who pays attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and be creative and innovative;
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and preferably including SAP and OCS.
• Proficiency in English and/or French, with a working knowledge of the other language.

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To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.

• Submitted by: Division Manager, CHRM.1
• Date approved: 20/06/2014
• Approved by: Director, CHRM

Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online application, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). The AfDB President reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply: www.afdb.org/jobs