Trade Finance Specialist

MAIN FUNCTIONS
The Trade Finance Specialist is responsible for coordinating and executing trade finance activities that support the Company's petroleum marketing, importation, trading, supply, and distribution operations. The role ensures the efficient administration of trade finance instruments, manages banking relationships, monitors trade finance facilities, and supports working capital optimization.
The incumbent will work closely with banks, suppliers, treasury, commercial, procurement, and logistics. teams to facilitate seamless trade transactions, mitigate financial and operational risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory and banking requirements. The role also supports the company's liquidity management objectives by ensuring timely processing of payments, financing arrangements, and trade related documentation.

TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Execute and manage trade finance instruments including Leters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), Bank Guarantees, Bills for Collection, Trade Loans, and Supplier Finance Facilities.
• Coordinate the issuance, amendment, negotiation, and settlement of trade finance instruments
with local and international financial institutions.
• Monitor transaction progress and ensure timely completion of trade finance obligations.
• Track trade finance facility utilization  and ensure adequate availability of funding to support
business operations.
• Ensure all trade transactions are executed in line with approved policies and established controls.
• Review and validate trade documentation, including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Inspection Certificates, and Insurance Documents.
• Ensure all documentation complies with banking, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies to prevent delays in transaction processing.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all trade finance transactions.
• Support audit and regulatory review processes through proper documentation management.
• Liaise with local and international banks on trade finance transactions and facility administration.
• Follow up on transaction processing, confirmations, settlements, and related banking correspondence.
• Support the renewal and utilization of trade finance facilities.
• Assist in negotiating transaction terms and ensuring service level delivery by banking partners.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with financial institutions.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Banking & Finance, or Business
Administration, or a related discipline.
• A master's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is an added advantage.
• ACA, ACCA, CFA, CIBN, ACT, or Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) will be an added
advantage
• Minimum of 5-10 years' relevant experience in trade finance, treasury operations, corporate Banking, Financial Services, or a related field.
• Experience in oil & gas, banking, Energy, commodities trading, importation, shipping, or logistics sectors is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in trade finance transaction management and banking operations.
• Sound knowledge of international trade finance practices and documentation requirements.