Job Purpose

To ensure effective and efficient management of the Trade and Treasury Operations departments by harmonizing all operational functions, systems, and processes. The role is responsible for delivering seamless execution of trade finance, payments, and treasury back-office activities while maintaining high standards of compliance, risk control, and client service. The incumbent will drive operational excellence, support business growth, and ensure alignment with regulatory and internal policy frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Financial - 20%

• Ensure 100% revenue collection for all Trade & Treasury Operations products.
• Oversee accurate processing and settlement of treasury deals to prevent operational losses.
• Mitigate financial losses by ensuring robust controls against fraudulent transactions.

Customer Perspective - 20%

• Ensure complete and accurate processing of all Trade & Treasury contracts within SLAs and agreed turnaround times (TATs).
• Resolve customer complaints within defined TATs.
• Maintain zero exceptions or incidents related to customer satisfaction and service charter adherence.

Operational Excellence - 40%

• Monitor and reconcile correspondent accounts (Nostro activity).
• Ensure timely handover to ICT for end-of-day processing, adhering to system cut-off times.
• Coordinate with departments and branches for smooth execution of client instructions.
• Ensure timely filing of regulatory and internal reports.
• Achieve targeted Risk & Audit ratings and ensure prompt closure of findings.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks through effective controls.
• Maintain clean reconciliations within agreed exposure limits.
• Supervise all aspects of Trade & Treasury operations to ensure an error-free environment.
• Resolve complex queries promptly and effectively.
• Ensure timely submission of RCSA reviews and GL reconciliations.
• Foster collaboration across departments to maintain operational efficiency.
• Maintain proper maturity schedules for FX/MM deals.
• Enforce due diligence, KYC, and AML procedures to prevent fraud.
• Handle conflict situations effectively to maintain a cohesive work environment.

Risk and Control - 20%

• Ensure safekeeping of all Trade documents within the department.
• Maintain compliance with local and international regulatory requirements (e.g., AML, US sanctions, CBK, CMA, RBA).
• Oversee monthly reconciliation schedules and risk attestations.
• Implement and monitor self-risk assessments and internal controls across units.

Key Relationships

Direct Reports to this Position

• Assistant Manager, Trade, Payments Treasury operations.
• Senior Officers, Trade, Payments & Treasury.
• Officer, Trade, Payments & Treasury.

Customers of this Position - Trade BD, Credit Department, Treasury, Treasury Operations, all branches and trade clients

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required for this Role

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Business-related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or equivalent) from an accredited university is an added advantage.
• Professional certifications in treasury operations, trade finance, or custody (e.g., ACI, CISI) are highly desirable.

Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of international trade and treasury operations.
• Strong knowledge of global trade finance rules and standards including:
• UCP 600 – Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits
• URDG 758 – Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees
• URR 725 – Uniform Rules for Bank-to-Bank Reimbursements
• URC 522 – Uniform Rules for Collections
• ISBP 745 – International Standard Banking Practice
• ISP98 – International Standby Practices
• Familiarity with prudential guidelines on regulatory returns.
• Hands-on experience with banking systems and reconciliation tools.

Experience 

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in banking, with direct exposure to Treasury and Custody operations.
• Proven track record in managing operational teams and delivering results under pressure. 

Core Skills: 

• Accuracy & Attention to Detail – Critical for transaction processing and reconciliation.
• Time Management – Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Communication Skills – Excellent verbal and written communication for internal and external stakeholder engagement.
• Interpersonal Skills – Strong ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making – Quick thinking and sound judgment in operational matters.
• Process Improvement – Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement enhancements.
• Risk Awareness – Strong understanding of operational risk and control frameworks.

Competencies required for this Role

1. Delivering Results

• Consistently meets organizational and customer expectations.
• Focused on achieving targets and driving performance across units.

2. Following Instructions & Procedures

• Adheres to internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and operational standards.
• Ensures compliance and consistency in execution.

3. Deciding & Initiating Action

• Demonstrates sound judgment and decisiveness in operational matters.
• Takes initiative to resolve issues and improve processes.

4. Leading & Supervising

• Provides clear direction and guidance to teams.
• Motivates and develops staff to achieve high performance.

5. Adhering to Principles & Values

• Upholds integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Promotes the bank’s values in all interactions.

6. Planning & Organizing

• Effectively prioritizes tasks and allocates resources.
• Ensures timely execution of responsibilities and reporting.

7. Coping with Pressures & Setbacks

• Maintains composure and effectiveness under pressure.
• Handles challenges and setbacks with resilience and adaptability.

8. Achieving Personal Work Goals & Objectives

• Demonstrates commitment to personal development and excellence.
• Sets and pursues meaningful goals aligned with organizational priorities.

9. Proactivity

• Anticipates issues and takes preventive action.
• Continuously seeks opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Accountability

1. Delegated Authority

• Exercise signing authority in line with the bank’s approved delegation framework for Trade and Treasury Operations.

2. Document Safekeeping

• Responsible for the secure handling and safekeeping of all Trade and Treasury Operations documents within the department.

3. Team Management

• Assist in managing Trade & Treasury Operations teams to ensure flawless execution of deals.
• Ensure delivery of customer-focused service across all operational units.