Trade Analyst

About the role

Absa Group is looking for a Trade Analyst to support operational management and strengthen business relationships by carrying out defined procedures in line with agreed standard operating processes. The role sits within a team that handles a broad range of trade finance processing and servicing work.

With more than 100 years of history and experience across local, regional, and international markets, Absa offers the chance to contribute to a growing African banking group. The organization also highlights career development support aimed at helping employees build their future and reach their potential.

Job purpose

The selected candidate will help deliver strong business outcomes by working collaboratively on trade finance processing and servicing activities.

Key responsibilities

Business execution and performance

• Check, process, and verify trade finance products manually and through electronic systems according to the authorized delegation matrix.
• Handle documentary collections and bills for both imports and exports.
• Process documentary credits and letters of credit for import and export transactions.
• Manage inward and outward guarantees.
• Work on trade loans and related trade finance activities.
• Use approved banking platforms and applications such as FCC, FCR, IMEX, PANGEA, MORONGWA, GEMS, TPS, HVPP, OCR, and SFI as needed.
• Examine export and import documentation in line with International Chamber of Commerce guidelines and the bank’s delegation rules.
• Complete document checking and upload letters of credit examinations on the OCR platform.
• Ensure title documents are stored and handled according to bank procedures under dual control.
• Review closed trade transactions to confirm all requirements are complete before filing.
• Carry out sanctions screening and AML checks in accordance with policy.
• Resolve complaints and queries within the set policy timelines.
• Record customer instructions and contracts in TMW and process them within the service level agreement.
• Confirm that all requests are properly approved, signatures are validated, and international trade rules are met before processing.
• Log and resolve processing errors within the required SLA.
• Perform daily reconciliation of liability accounts.
• Collect income accurately according to the approved tariff and notify the Trade front office team if delays occur.
• Process STFC releases within the agreed turnaround time.
• Prepare reports required by stakeholders such as Finance and FI teams.
• Cover deals for dealers when necessary.
• Work through daily FCC, FCR, QlikView, and Jasper reports.
• Action daily incoming SWIFTs, failed SWIFTs, diaries, memos, failed payments, expired deals, pending deals, and NOSTRO reports.
• Track adverse system or transaction issues until they are fully resolved.
• Support UAT testing within the required timelines.
• Frank trade documents where required.
• Approve and verify deals on the Dhamana and EGP platforms for government-related guarantees.
• Review and address failed automated guaranteed commission entries.
• Upload, verify, and authorize SFI entries.

Service delivery

• Provide high-quality service to clients while meeting agreed SLAs.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders in both spoken and written form.
• Log compliments and complaints in the required system.
• Take ownership of requests and queries, investigate issues, suggest solutions, and work through them in a way that protects the bank’s reputation.

Controls and compliance

• Perform all duties in line with regulatory requirements, the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework, and Absa policies and standards.
• Understand and manage role-related risks and incidents.
• Follow the Group IT security policy and system access controls.
• Comply with operational risk requirements focused on protecting people, customers, assets, and the organization.
• Carry out snap-checks promptly.
• Work within the delegation matrix at all times.
• Update and verify daily activities so management information reflects the team’s productivity accurately.
• Escalate risk issues promptly and record them in ORMS.
• Complete handover procedures before going on leave, including updating the key register and handover certificate.

Innovation and change

• Challenge existing ways of working and contribute ideas for improvement.
• Support a positive team environment and share knowledge, best practices, and constructive feedback.
• Help implement change initiatives.
• Recommend improvements and solutions to the line manager based on understanding of the trade value chain.
• Support the team manager to promote effective teamwork across Trade Finance.
• Set personal development objectives and complete required actions.
• Continuously build skills and deepen knowledge.

Individual development

• Set personal management objectives aligned to bank strategy and individual ambitions.
• Work on self-development to improve effectiveness and recognize strengths and development areas.
• Seek regular feedback on personal development from the line manager and other team leaders.
• Record all leave in the relevant system or application, including Workday, before going on leave.

Education and experience

A diploma or degree in banking is preferred. The role also asks for Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) in Business, Commerce and Management Studies.

Candidates should have at least 2 years of technical experience.

Skills and knowledge

The role calls for solid computer system and application knowledge, numerical and analytical ability, good teamwork, strong interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, diligence, trade product knowledge, and understanding of the international trade rules that govern trade finance.

Equal opportunity notice

Absa Bank Kenya states that it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups whose appointment will support equitable workforce representation and enhance diversity within the bank.

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 23 June 2026.