About Us
We are Imbono. A leading operator and provider of infrastructure and essential goods and services across emerging markets. There is no other emerging markets player like us. We combine global capital and operational expertise in a single, integrated model. We are the architects of possibility – sharp thinkers, problem solvers, and resourceful innovators who make things happen when no one else can. And every project is built to last. Our ambition is to transform the lives of more than 100 million people by 2040 by expanding access to essential services such as water, energy, food, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Our Mission is delivering integrated, high-impact solutions that expand access to essential services combining operational execution, local presence, strategic partnerships, and sustainable capital.
Role Summary
The Trade Finance Senior Specialist will play a key role in supporting the Commodities Trading business by managing end-to-end trade finance activities related to physical commodity transactions. The role focuses on structuring, executing, and monitoring trade finance solutions to efficiently support day-to-day trading activities, optimise credit facilities, and ensure smooth execution of export and import transactions. The successful candidate will act as a key interface between Traders, Operations, Treasury, banks, insurers, and internal group entities, with a strong focus on risk management, liquidity planning, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Trade Finance & Transaction Management
- Manage the financing of day-to-day trading transactions from contract execution through to drawdown and settlement.
- Process, monitor, and administer all types of export and import trade finance instruments, including Letters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), Guarantees, Export Collections, receivables discounting, LC discounting, and supply chain finance structures.
- Oversee all life-cycle events of trade finance instruments, ensuring timely issuance, amendments, utilisation, and closure.
- Review physical commodity contracts to ensure credit, payment, and trade finance clauses are acceptable and aligned with financing requirements.
- Overview client creditworthiness and KYC compliance
Stakeholder Management & Business Partnership
- Liaise closely with Trading and Operations teams to understand financing needs, resolve LC-related matters, and support smooth execution of trades.
- Act as a key point of contact for traders regarding financing structures, costs of financing, and optimisation of trade flows.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across the group, including Treasury, Finance, Risk, and Legal teams.
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with trade finance banks and financial institutions in coordination with Treasury.
Credit, Risk & Compliance
- Handle KYC and onboarding processes for new counterparties, working closely with banks and internal compliance teams.
- Review credit limit requests and coordinate with insurance brokers regarding credit insurance coverage.
- Monitor utilisation of credit lines and ensure adherence to approved limits and internal policies.
- Ensure transaction documentation and collateral are properly received, verified, and compliant with internal and bank requirements.
Cashflow, Reporting & Treasury Coordination
- Produce regular reports and forecasts covering trade flows, cashflow requirements, and utilisation of trade finance facilities in cooperation with the Treasury team.
- Oversee cash movements and balances across multiple banking partners, ensuring visibility and effective liquidity management.
- Support the continuous optimisation of financing structures, including storage, hedging-related financing, and structured trade solutions.
- Prepare and follow up the budget requirements and report of the business unit as per the BEP of the CEO
Process Improvement
- Contribute to the enhancement of trade finance processes, controls, and reporting frameworks.
- Support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, risk mitigation, and scalability of trade finance operations across the commodities business.
Experience
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Trade Finance within an oil major, National Oil Companies (NOCs) or trading house, bank trade finance desk, or structured trade finance environment.
- Strong hands-on experience with physical oil trade, finance facilities, including LCs, SBLCs, guarantees, collections, and structured trade solutions.
- Solid understanding of commodity and particularly oil trade life cycles, including contractual, operational, and financial aspects.
- Proven ability to work closely with traders and operations teams in a fast-paced trading environment.
- Experience dealing with banks, insurers, and external counterparties across EMEA; Americas exposure is an advantage.
- Strong knowledge of KYC, credit risk, and trade finance compliance requirements.
- Trade Finance Expertise in Commodities
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Banking, Economics, Accounting, or a related field
Skills
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to operate autonomously while coordinating effectively within a cross-functional environment
Competencies
- Commercial & Risk Awareness
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Attention to Detail & Operational Excellence
- Cashflow & Liquidity Planning
- Problem Solving in Trading Environments
Our Values
- Client Oriented
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Perseverance
We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We want every candidate to perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your needs.