Trade Finance Officer- LPO Financing | Invoice Discounting in Nairobi at Umba

NewJob Function: Accounting/FinanceEmployment Type: Full-Time
Umba
Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
Posted on
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Job Description

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
LPO Financing
Financing suppliers to fulfil confirmed orders		Invoice Discounting
Advancing cash against verified receivables
  • Screen applications backed by valid LPOs, contracts or confirmed purchase instructions.
  • Verify each order directly with the issuing entity: authenticity, value, remaining balance, payment terms, delivery milestones, acceptance conditions, cancellation clauses and limits on assignment.
  • Assess the supplier's experience, capacity, own contribution, cash flow and ability to deliver on time.
  • Review supplier quotations and fulfilment budgets and recommend a suitable facility structure within product parameters.
  • Coordinate controlled or milestone-based disbursement against verified fulfilment needs.
  • Where permitted, arrange for order proceeds to be paid into a designated Bank account.
  • Track each order through delivery, acceptance and repayment, and escalate early signs of non-delivery.
  • Screen applications backed by genuine, outstanding invoices for goods delivered or services accepted by an eligible buyer.
  • Confirm invoice authenticity, balance, buyer obligation and payment date directly with the buyer, using independently sourced contacts.
  • Check delivery notes, completion certificates and GRNs, and assess the buyer's payment history, deductions, retention, set-off rights and disputes.
  • Confirm the receivable has not been financed, pledged or assigned elsewhere; check for duplicate invoices and escalate irregularities.
  • Recommend an advance within product parameters and exclude disputed, overdue, conditional or previously financed invoices.
  • Coordinate assignment of receivables, buyer acknowledgement and controlled payment instructions where legally approved.
  • Track invoice maturity, follow up before due dates, reconcile collections and escalate overdue invoices promptly.

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.
The successful candidate must have a clean integrity record and will be subject to background, CRB and police clearance checks.
KEY COMPETENCIES
CompetencyWhat it looks like in this role
Transaction analysisUnderstands purchase orders, contracts, invoices, delivery evidence, working-capital cycles, cash flows and repayment structures.
Risk awarenessStrong verification mindset; spots inconsistencies, altered or fraudulent documents, duplicate financing and repayment risks.
Security and receivablesUnderstands how logbooks, guarantees and assignments of receivables are perfected, and how set-off and retentions work.
Business developmentProactive sourcing, relationship building and negotiation, balanced with the judgement to decline a weak deal.
Execution and organisationAccurate documentation, effective prioritisation and timely coordination across teams.
CommunicationClear written and spoken communication with customers, buyers' finance teams and internal stakeholders.
Integrity and accountabilitySound judgement, confidentiality, attention to detail and willingness to escalate concerns.
Digital and reportingStrong spreadsheet skills, good use of business systems and accurate pipeline and portfolio reports.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Umba Microfinance Bank is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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Job Location

Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

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