Relationship Officer – Trade Finance

Bank of Africa Kenya Limited (BOA-Kenya) is a commercial bank providing banking services to corporate, SME, and retail clientele.

Job Purpose

• Provide core Trade Finance products and services for both Enterprise and Business Banking clients. The product set includes traditional products such as issuances, confirmation, and discounting of Letters of Credit, Documentary Collections, Guarantees, Supply Chain Finance, risk distribution, and other structured transactions on a local, regional, and global basis.
• Offering correspondent banking services to Financial Institutions and securing Trade Finance Limits with international banks.
• Working closely with BOAK Business Development team, Regional Relationship Manager, and Financial Institutions to deliver the Trade Finance targeted growth as well as representing the bank in client and industry engagements.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Financial (50%)

• Proactively manage the Trade Finance business portfolio by designing and implementing suitable business acquisition strategies to achieve the trade portfolio and revenue targets.
• Provide input to credit applications in conjunction with the business development teams aligned with defined strategy and engage with colleagues in product, sales support, and risk as appropriate.
• Support the Bank on Trade Finance matters through availability for client visits and structuring Trade Finance deals to maximize fees and commissions.
• Data analysis/reporting – Provide performance management reports as and when required on Trade Finance business growth and strategy.
• Monitor approved credit line utilization for clients.
• Meet group risk and profitability requirements and deliver targeted growth in Trade Finance business.

Customer Focus (30%)

• Develop and deliver a Trade sales strategy and secure strategic internal support from stakeholders, in conjunction with the business development team to identify and satisfy customer needs and boost the Bank's Trade portfolio and revenue growth.
• Act as a client point of contact for all trade transactions by giving technical support to customers, responding to client requests in a timely manner, or giving a holding position pending feedback.
• Support the active management of the trade portfolio as required.
• Develop strong business relationships with other financial institutions, customers, and industry stakeholders to facilitate BOA bank's participation in trade finance deals in markets where the group has a presence.

Operational (20%)

• Identify product gaps or new product opportunities to influence the development of key new product service initiatives.
• Liaise with Group Trade Finance team to keep abreast of all trade-related events that Trade Sales managers should be attending or at least be aware of – Trade Publications, Annual client/market events.
• Gather market and client/competitor intelligence, understanding the East Africa Trade Finance market.
• Have an appreciation of Trade Based Money Laundering (TBML) due diligence.
• Conduct Trade Finance training for the Bank and complete all other product and mandatory trainings.
• Ensure regulatory requirements are met and compliant with Regulatory policy in order to protect and enhance the bank’s reputation.

Minimum Requirements

• A university degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field from an institution recognized by the Commission for University Education.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Banking, of which 1 year should be in Trade Finance, with demonstrable expertise in guarantees, letters of credit, and structured trade solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the current banking and financial services environment, including industry trends, regulatory and governance requirements, and applicable laws.
• Professional certification in Trade Finance, Documentary Credit, or a related discipline (i.e., CITF, CDCS, CSDG) is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of international trade instruments, ICC rules, and regional trade practices.
• Strong analytical and structuring capabilities in trade transactions.
• Proven track record in business origination and portfolio growth within the banking or financial services sector.
• Interpersonal Skills – Effective communication, presentation & stakeholder engagement skills and ability to negotiate and close complex deals.
• Integrity & Confidentiality – Be a person of high integrity and able to keep confidential information as required by relevant policies and regulations.