AVP & Manager, PBO Trade Finance Operations

About the Role / About the Job
This role is primarily responsible for supervising and authorizing transactions related to the Trade Finance Unit while ensuring compliance with all internal procedures and operational controls. The aim is to ensure smooth workflow and delivery of high-quality and timely service to clients. The job entails timely analysis and addressing of any process-related risks, alongside developing and maintaining efficient processes and systems for the Trade Finance function in the company. Staff must be flexible to work on a shift basis, including backing up International Trade Operations as per respective country requirements. The primary responsibility is to support end-to-end trade products, especially LC and the document checking process for UAE operations.

Key Accountabilities

1. Team Supervision

   • Organize and supervise the work of the assigned team to ensure that all work within a specific area is conducted efficiently, adhering to operating procedures and policy.
   • Provide on-the-job training and constructive feedback to support team development.
   • Promote the organization’s values and ethics in all activities within the team to foster a value-driven culture within the company.

2. Budgeting and Financial Performance

   • Monitor the financial performance of specific activities against budgets and ensure all activities meet approved guidelines while promptly reporting any variances to management.

3. Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

   • Provide inputs and implement policies, systems, and procedures for the assigned team to ensure compliance with relevant procedural and legislative requirements while delivering quality, cost-effective service.

4. Continuous Improvement

   • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes, and practices, considering global standards, productivity improvements, and cost reductions.

5. Reporting

   • Prepare sectional statements and reports timely and accurately to comply with FGB-NBAD and department requirements, policies, and quality standards.

Job Specific Accountabilities
The jobholder is responsible for processing/authorizing transactions within a specific product or functional area under the provided delegation, ensuring delivery is cost-efficient, timely, and compliant with high-risk management and regulatory standards.

• Process, check, verify, and authorize transactions as per the approval matrix while ensuring controlled transactions processing.
• Maintain high internal and external customer satisfaction standards.
• Minimize operational risks for the company by ensuring all processed transactions comply with underlying customer or internal instructions, which are to be properly executed.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory guidelines and local/international sanctions in Trade Finance processes, improving controls to identify and mitigate risks.
• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and recommend or implement changes in policies, procedures, and processes in line with industry developments.
• Drive collaborative efforts to advance tools, technology, and working methodologies to better serve an evolving client base.
• Support preparation and control testing for BIA and RCSA, as per Risk and audit management policy.
• Monitor and reconcile Internal/Income/Suspense accounts, and attest accounts as per company policy.
• Develop and introduce robust tools and processes to identify and mitigate operational risks attached to the department.
• Assist in developing policies/procedures/practices toward cost efficiency.
• Aid in sustaining a higher rate of Employee Satisfaction in line with company Policy.
• Strictly follow Anti-money laundering, Central Bank guidelines, and other internal policies/procedures, reporting unusual transactions as prescribed.
• Keep updated on industry developments and disseminate information to relevant staff.
• Highlight potential extraordinary non-operational risks (e.g., market and legal) that may arise from transaction activities.
• Prepare statistical data for internal and external communications.
• Handle customer correspondence and issues with internal customers or other banks.
• Achieve zero operational loss and satisfactory audit ratings.
• Undertake employee productivity measures, ensuring adherence to training man-days for both team and self.
• Execute departmental initiatives as directed.
• Provide technical guidance to customers when necessary and maintain records securely.
• Participate and implement relevant projects, system development, and other initiatives for the department.
• Support line manager in developing, coaching, monitoring staff performance, and arranging remedial training where needed.
• Prepare SOPs according to audit and RMU requirements for TFU products.
• Achieve monthly targets including zero complaints, 95% adherence to TAT standards, and more than 90% satisfaction score in internal customer surveys.
• Ensure there are no unauthorized breaches in policy, regulatory requirements, or housekeeping measures.
• Promote a positive work environment for employees and support them in achieving their goals.

Minimum Qualification

• Graduate (preferably in Commerce / Financial Services/Banking & Finance etc.) and CDCS or equivalent certification is preferred.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in Trade Finance with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills, with a customer-focused mindset and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to tackle new challenges, assimilate new information, and influence others through mature approaches.
• Working knowledge of ICC Publications, ICC banking commission opinions, and other compliance/trade-related rules and regulations.