Trade Finance Officer- LPO Financing | Invoice Discounting at Umba

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Umba Microfinance Bank is introducing two transaction-backed working-capital products for suppliers and contractors: LPO Financing and Invoice Discounting. We are looking for a Trade Finance Officer to help build and run them.
• You will originate, assess, coordinate and monitor short-term facilities that help eligible businesses fulfil verified purchase orders and release cash tied up in genuine receivables. You will protect the Bank through careful verification, disciplined credit processes, effective controls and timely follow-up on recoveries.
• The role gives equal attention to both products, covering pipeline development, quality of execution and portfolio performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business development and pipeline (both products)

• Build a qualified pipeline of suppliers and contractors serving public institutions and established corporates, through direct outreach, existing clients, referrals, business teams and agents.
• Source across sectors such as energy and utilities, health, manufacturing and FMCG, construction and building materials, and agriculture and processing.
• Explain product features, eligibility, documentation, pricing and obligations clearly, without promising approval or payment outcomes.
• Keep a balanced, evidence-based pipeline across both products, and track leads, conversions and reasons for declined applications.
• Build lasting customer relationships and pursue repeat business where facilities have performed well.

Product-specific responsibilities

Credit assessment, documentation and execution

• Compile complete customer files: KYC records, company profile, bank statements, financial information and order or invoice evidence.
• Prepare clear transaction summaries covering customer capacity, repayment source, cash flow, key risks, proposed advance and mitigants.
• Coordinate independent credit appraisal and approval. Make sure nothing is committed or disbursed before all approvals and conditions precedent are met.
• Coordinate facility letters, security documents, guarantees and assignments, and make sure logbook or other security is verified and perfected before disbursement.
• Make sure customers receive clear disclosure of pricing, fees, tenor, repayment obligations and the consequences of default.

Portfolio monitoring, controls and reporting

• Monitor every facility through its full lifecycle: fulfilment, invoice maturity, repayment, arrears and recovery.
• Keep accurate transaction registers and full audit trails of every verification and approval.
• Monitor customer, buyer, sector and product concentration. Flag exceptions, suspected fraud, diversion of proceeds and policy breaches promptly.
• Produce monthly pipeline, disbursement, income and arrears reports, split by product, and recommend improvements to products and processes.
• Work with Credit, Risk, Operations, Legal, Compliance, Finance and Technology while upholding maker-checker controls and segregation of duties.
• Handle customer information confidentially and comply with the Bank's policies, KYC/AML requirements and applicable laws and regulations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum requirements

• A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree. A Finance, Banking or Accounting option is preferred.
• At least two (2) years of relevant experience in trade finance, SME or business lending, credit analysis, invoice discounting, supply-chain finance, relationship management or a closely related financial-services role.
• Proven ability to review financial and transaction documents, assess repayment sources and manage customer relationships.
• Good working knowledge of credit documentation, KYC/AML requirements, lending controls and portfolio monitoring.

Added advantage

• Hands-on experience of both LPO financing and invoice discounting.
• A professional qualification, or progress towards one: CPA(K), ACCA, CIFA, AKIB, or a certificate in trade finance or credit.
• An existing network of suppliers and contractors serving public bodies or large corporates.
• Knowledge of public procurement processes and payment cycles, including IFMIS.
• Experience with logbook-secured lending, CRB checks and core banking systems.
• A valid driving licence.