Equity Bank is a leading financial institution in Africa, committed to transforming lives and livelihoods through modern, inclusive financial services. With a strong presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the DRC, Equity Bank serves over 12 million customers, making it the largest customer base in Africa.
The Bank seeks to recruit a Quality Assurance & Monitoring Manager (Middle Office) to oversee the Structured Trade Finance portfolio, ensuring risks are managed within approved appetite levels and all transactions comply with internal policies and operational controls.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Corporate Banking department, the Quality Assurance & Monitoring Manager will be responsible for ensuring the effective management of Structured Trade Finance operations, including monitoring collateral, managing client relationships, and ensuring adherence to compliance requirements. The successful candidate will also coordinate key partnerships and stakeholders while supporting day-to-day trade finance operations to deliver quality service.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Management (35%)
- Maintain accurate records of commodities taken as collateral for Structured Trade Finance.
- Process client product release requests, ensuring proper documentation and preparing release orders.
- Reconcile records for commodities held under collateral management with reports from collateral managers.
- Draft and implement Stock Monitoring or Collateral Management Agreements as outlined in facility agreements.
- Ensure all trade finance transactions are processed promptly, accurately, and within policy guidelines.
- Act as a control point to ensure all regulatory and bank requirements are fulfilled pre- and post-transaction.
- Liaise with the Legal department on drafts that deviate from bank-approved formats.
2. Portfolio Management & Monitoring (30%)
- Monitor the Structured Trade Finance portfolio to ensure adherence to approved terms and conditions.
- Maintain custody of term sheets for all facilities and oversee the daily reconciliation of trade finance transactions.
- Conduct periodic monitoring of facilities to ensure borrower compliance with terms and conditions.
- Deliver financial targets for trade business while managing cost-to-income ratios.
- Negotiate and secure credit facilities, ensuring same-day turnaround times for credit limit setup.
3. Quality Assurance & Compliance (20%)
- Conduct periodic compliance updates to ensure all documentation is up to date and risk profiles are current.
- Implement internal and external audit recommendations related to portfolio management.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with local and global trade clients to enhance the Bank’s trade business.
- Drive the review and enhancement of trade products while ensuring consistent delivery of seamless customer service.
4. Business Delivery (15%)
- Ensure timely settlement of fees, commissions, and interest to prevent income leakage.
- Gather market intelligence relevant to Structured Trade Finance and share insights with stakeholders.
- Facilitate transaction execution, address client inquiries, and support product development and maintenance.
- Represent the Bank at trade forums and seminars to enhance visibility as a leading trade finance institution.
5. Stakeholder Management (10%)
- Conduct regular physical inspections of warehoused commodities under the Structured Trade Finance portfolio.
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Relationship Teams, Trade Operations, Legal, and clients.
- Facilitate skills training and knowledge transfer across teams, ensuring best practices are shared effectively.
- Promote a high-performing organization culture, equipping teams with the necessary tools for success.
Qualifications
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or a related field.
- A postgraduate degree is preferred.
Experience:
- 3–8 years of experience in banking, risk management, credit/portfolio analysis, or trade-related middle/back-office roles.
- Proven track record in financial institution business as a Product Manager or Relationship Manager.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High-quality written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and networking abilities.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and drive.
- Strong commercial awareness and technical knowledge.
Leadership Competencies:
- Personal and interpersonal skills.
- Management and leadership abilities.
- Adherence to control environments and compliance standards.
Employment Details
- Job Level: Manager
- Job Shift: Day Job
- Posting Date: November 18, 2024
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply via the Equity Bank Careers Portal. Applications should include:
- A detailed resume.
- A cover letter highlighting qualifications and experience.