Trade Finance Associate

  • Nairobi
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Branch delivers world-class financial services to the mobile generation. With offices in the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and India, Branch is a for-profit, socially conscious company that uses the power of data science to reduce the cost of delivering financial services in emerging markets. We believe that everyone everywhere deserves fair financial access. The rapid spread of smartphones presents an opportunity for the world’s emerging middle class to access banking options and achieve financial flexibility.Branch’s mission-driven team is led by the founder and former CEO of Kiva.org. The company presents a rich opportunity for our team members to drive meaningful growth in rapidly evolving and changing markets. In 2019, Branch announced our Series C and has garnered more than $100M in funding with investments from leading Silicon Valley firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Trinity Capital, Foundation Capital, Visa, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive working environment where human beings of all backgrounds can thrive.Job OverviewBranch is building a digitally enabled Trade Finance business designed to deliver speed, transparency, and disciplined risk management for our SMEs.The Trade Finance Associate will not only support transaction execution but will play a key role in digitizing workflows, improving process efficiency, and helping design scalable trade finance operations.This role requires strong commercial judgment.Responsibilities1. Deal Support and Execution
  • Support the origination and structuring of trade finance transactions
  • Review customer financials, contracts, and tender documents
  • Conduct basic credit and risk analysis
  • Prepare internal credit memos and deal summaries
  • Coordinate documentation and disbursement processes
2. Process Design and Digitization
  • Map and document end-to-end trade finance workflows (from origination to closure)
  • Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in current processes
  • Work with Product and Tech teams to digitize manual processes
  • Support automation of approvals, documentation tracking, and monitoring
  • Develop SOPs and internal playbooks
  • Propose system enhancements to improve turnaround time and client experience
3. Portfolio Monitoring and Risk ControlTrack bond expiries and contract milestonesMonitor facility utilization and repayment timelinesIdentify early warning signalsSupport collections and portfolio clean-up4. Business Growth and Market IntelligenceSupport pipeline management and forecastingAnalyze SME segments in collaboration with our Trade Finance partnersProvide insights on product improvements and pricingSupport partnerships with insurers and guarantee providers5. Risk and Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to internal credit policy and approval frameworks
  • Maintain accurate documentation and reporting
  • Support audit and regulatory requirements
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field
  • 2–4 years’ experience in trade finance, SME banking, or credit analysis
  • Exposure to performance bonds, guarantees, LPO financing, or invoice discounting is an advantage
  • Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
  • High attention to detail and documentation discipline
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced fintech environment.
Key Competencies
  • Commercial acumen
  • Structured thinking
  • Risk awareness
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Ownership mindset
  • Ability to operate with limited supervision
Benefits of Joining
  • Mission-driven, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment
  • Competitive salary and equity package
  • A collaborative and flat company culture
  • Where we work: Hybrid.
  • Fully paid health insurance benefit.
  • Work-life balance is not a myth. Make use of our 28 days of paid vacation days, 30 days of sick leave, and bereavement leave
  • Fully paid parental leave - 6 months maternity leave and 3 months paternity leave
  • Company-matched pension benefit
  • Monthly WFH stipend.
  • Annual professional development budget
  • Other benefits include:Team meals, virtual social events, and in-person meet-ups
  • Opportunity to work and interact with a global team
Branch International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company does not and will not discriminate in employment on any basis prohibited by applicable law.

Branch International