AVP/VP - Trade Advisor

AVP/VP- Trade Advisor

Required 12-20 years of experienced professional in Trade Finance Operation with global players having expertise in the following:

- Trade Advisory is responsible for providing technical guidance to the COEs and Branches.

- Flair for handling commodity trade transactions (oil, metal etc)

- Review workability issues relating to Letters of Credit, Documentary Collections, Standby LCs &

- Guarantees and Reimbursement products based on ICC rules and also Citigroup policies.

- Act as an intermediary between the processing units and CSIS (Citigroup Securities and Investigation Services) & Compliance teams for sanctions, compliance, money laundering and anti fraud related issues.

- Training of staff in COEs and Braches on Trade (technical matters, ICC rules, ICC opinions, etc)

1. Technical

- Structure, coordinate and provide technical assistance for complex Trade transactions and underlying documentation including import and export letters of credit, documents, Bank Guarantees, Insurance LOCs etc by dealing directly with F.I. and corporate customers, Internal/External Legal counsel, Branches and relevant Relationship, Sales and Product teams to ensure workability for all parties.

- Review new and ongoing non standard Trade transactions for workability and adherence to Bank policy and from information supplied by clients to suggest most appropriate product for the intended transaction.

- Gain an understanding of the internal workings of Citi and how different locations can work for the benefit of the customer. For example, be aware of requirements in other locations with regard to issuance criteria.

- Investigate and advise various internal areas of the bank in relation to Trade inquires that cannot be handled by customer service/investigation or processing teams due to complex or technical nature of requirement.

- Accompany Sales/Relationship Teams on client visits if requested for Trade related issues.

- Review of claims received under Guarantees/Standby LCs for authority to pay.

- Review structures in Trade Finance and Supply Finance and offer guidance

2. Risk Management and Compliance

- Review and along with relevant product team make suitable decision on any Trade transactions where potential compliance issues or concerns are evident. This may also involve liaison with local Compliance officers for suitable input and advice.

- Review and formulate response(s) to issuing Banks in relation to discrepancies raised to avoid any potential loss to the Bank.

- Focal point for escalation and reporting of any suspicious transactions. Again, responsible for reporting to CSIS, AMLCO and other relevant internal departments and remaining point person for that transaction.

- Utilise the internal legal & Litigation teams at our disposal at an early stage of any transaction where litigation may be an issue.

3. Training

- Create and deliver high quality, up to date, training material for use in internal and external training courses / presentations. Utilise all available means in the physical delivery including powerpoint.

Internal training programmes to include:-

1. Introduction to Trade Services.

2. Compliance issues.

3. Fraud awareness.

4. Standby LCs and Guarantees

5. ICC Publications UCP600 and ISP98.

6. Any new publications as and when effective e.g. URDG758

7. INCO Terms

8. Document Checking

Development Value: (What opportunities to develop can the job offer a prospective candidate?)

- Excellent exposure to all aspects of International and engagement with multiple branches

- Direct contact with external Citi clients

- Interface with senior management across regions – operations, product, compliance etc.

Job Specification

Knowledge/Experience: (What knowledge/ experience of the role or the industry does the individual need, e.g. relevant work experience, industry and/or product knowledge)

Skills: (What specific technical skills does the individual need and at what level, e.g. specific IT/spreadsheet/analytical/modelling skills)

- Strong knowledge of International Trade operations (Import / Export LC’s, Guarantees, confirmation, advising, negotiation, UCP etc)

- Excellent client service skills

- Ability to influence large and complex teams

- Knowledge of risk management and / or audit

- Ability to map, re-engineer processes.

- Leadership skills to inspire stakeholders in different countries and COEs

- Ability to forge strong relationships with demanding Product and Sales partners

- Manage complexities of international trade operations in a complex transactional environment

- Build relationships with Trade Units worldwide and other Trade advisory units to form global standards and practices within Citigroup.

- Organisational and co-ordination skills

- Strong inter-personal, diplomacy and people management skills

- Ability to work with people from different backgrounds in a team environment

- Influences decisions through advice, counsel and/or facilitating to others in area.

Qualifications: (What academic/professional qualifications/registrations does the individual need – if relevant)

Competencies: (What competency skills sets does the individual need e.g. organizational skills, planning, resilience, motivation, teamwork, verbal communication skills etc.)

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent would be an advantage.

- Confidence, self motivation and lots of initiative

- Ability to build working relationships with Product, Sales, Operations, and Technology staff

- Good oral and written communication skills

- Ability to work in team environment

- Enthusiasm and strong desire to work in operations

- Evaluates moderately complex and variable issues with substantial potential impact,

- Leads ad hoc projects as defined by supervisor.

Kindly send your resume to semi@pylonmc.com