Role Overview
I&M Bank is seeking an Assistant Manager for Trade Finance. This role is interchangeably responsible for the initiation, document checking, accepting, and settlement of Trade Finance products. The successful candidate will process all types of Export and Import transactions, including Commercial Letters of Credit, Standby Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, Documentary and Clean Collections, Avalized Bills, Bill Discounting, Supply Chain Finance transactions, and Financial Institution remittances. The role ensures compliance with the Bank’s internal policies, CBK prudential guidelines, and international trade practices while safeguarding the bank’s interests in preventing money laundering, potential litigation, and losses.
Key Responsibilities
Processing of Trade Finance Instruments (60%)
- Review received instructions to ensure they are valid and meet bank and international trade guidelines; liaise with customers for clarity.
- Carry out Trade Finance Compliance and due diligence checks (type of goods, countries) and escalate to the line manager where required.
- Coordinate with Relationship Managers, Credit Administration, Legal, and Treasury to facilitate transaction processing, including limit marking and legal opinions.
- Draft, initiate, and amend various Letters of Credit (Export, Import, Back-to-Back, etc.) and Guarantees (Bid Bonds, Performance, Payment, etc.).
- Manage the end-to-end processing of documentary Collections (Import, Export, Avalization) and outward/inward foreign cheques.
- Process Supply Chain Finance instructions and manage the lodging and acceptance of Bills.
- Ensure timely payment of Bills on due dates in coordination with relevant departments.
Customer Care (30%)
- Act as a technical reference point for trade finance enquiries for both external clients and internal staff.
- Manage correspondence with Counter Party banks regarding queries and confirmations.
- Confirm Guarantees issued to external parties, including government bodies and large corporates.
- Prepare and share outstanding liability reports with stakeholders.
Audit and Compliance (10%)
- Monitor Nostro Statements and clear outstanding trade-related items.
- Identify potential red flags (AML/Sanctions) and report risk events within set timeframes.
- Ensure safe keeping of client shipping documents and legal documents (Bills of Exchange, indemnities).
- Conduct weekly reviews of outstanding liabilities and notify relevant stakeholders of overdue payments.
- Perform daily journal call-backs.
Qualifications and Experience
- Academic: A bachelor’s degree in a Business-related field from a recognized institution.
- Professional: Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) or Certificate in International Trade Finance; Member of Association of Kenya Institute of Bankers (AKIB); Diploma in banking (Trade).
- Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience and a track record in processing trade products, with at least 1-3 years in transactional verifications or authorizations.
Skills and Competencies
- Deep knowledge of Trade Products and international trade rules (UCP, ISP, ISBP, URDG, URR, etc.).
- Understanding of international sanctions lists (UN, EU, Domestic).
- Analytical skills, attention to detail, and integrity.
- Ability to work under minimal supervision and manage risk intelligently.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the I&M Bank career portal on BambooHR by clicking the following link: Apply Here
