{"id":37519,"date":"2026-06-11T10:02:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T10:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/job\/head-trade-finance-principal-investments-officer-equities\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T10:04:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T10:04:26","slug":"head-trade-finance-principal-investments-officer-equities","status":"publish","type":"job_listing","link":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/job\/head-trade-finance-principal-investments-officer-equities\/","title":{"rendered":"Head: Trade Finance \n\n\n            \n\n            \n            Principal Investments Officer: Equities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Job Description\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\tResponsible for leading the development, structuring, and execution of trade finance and guarantee solutions to support DBSA\u2019s development mandate. This role ensures the origination and execution of innovative flow and structured trade financing structures, manages associated risks, and contributes to optimising DBSA\u2019s financial resource deployment. The role actively engages with internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic trade finance transactions aligned with DBSA\u2019s business objectives. The role entails the development, refinement and execution of the DBSA\u2019s end-to-end Trade Finance strategy, including flow trade and structured trade product development, market development, client identification (across different commodities) and operational risk management design and implementation for the trade business.<\/p>\n<p>Key Responsibilities\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<br \/>\nStrategic Leadership<\/p>\n<p>\tCollaborate with the Executive to formulate and implement the Trade Finance strategy in line with the vision, strategy, and goals of the Investment Division and the Bank.<br \/>\n\tDevelop DBSA\u2019s offer of flow and structured trade finance products, targeting new products, clients, geographies and markets.<br \/>\n\tProvide strategic direction on the conceptualisation, planning and implementation of the Trade Finance business unit and provide strategic input into the design of the DBSA\u2019s credit and operational risk structures relevant for the Trade Finance business.<br \/>\n\tFormulate a comprehensive market deployment and approach strategy, outlining product positioning, target markets, and value propositions for structured and flow Trade Finance products.<br \/>\n\tEstablish systems, procedures, and governance processes required for the effective implementation of trade finance-funded products.<\/p>\n<p>Market Strategy and Approach<\/p>\n<p>\tPerform comprehensive market research to understand Trade Finance trends, client needs and competitor offerings.<br \/>\n\tConduct market analysis to identify customer needs, aligning product development with client and market demands.<br \/>\n\tAnalyse market demand and identify potential market segments and opportunities aligned with DBSA\u2019s strategic objectives, across a range of sectors and commodities.<br \/>\n\tIdentify and implement the technologies, systems and tools required to support the Trade Finance function, including transaction management, risk assessment, and reporting systems in alignment with the ICT policies.<br \/>\n\tDesign the functional structure for the Trade Finance unit, including defining the roles and responsibilities.<br \/>\n\tCollaborate with marketing and business development teams to craft marketing content and strategies.<br \/>\n\tIdentify and establish partnerships with key stakeholders, such as traders, exporters, suppliers, banks, and agencies, to enhance market penetrations<br \/>\n\tPrepare detailed proposals and business cases for new product introductions and market expansions<br \/>\n\tCollaborate with analytics, finance, and treasury teams to develop a pricing methodology for trade finance-funded transactions.<br \/>\n\tDevelop templates for trade finance-funded transactions to standardise documentation and processes.<\/p>\n<p>Execution of Trade Finance Transactions<\/p>\n<p>\tLead project due diligence and approval processes, with emphasis on ensuring key economic, financial, technical, and legal issues are considered and mitigants incorporated in the transaction.<br \/>\n\tProvide innovative and flexible financial structures for complex transactions.<br \/>\n\tOversee deal closure by taking responsibility for optimal financial, institutional, and legal structuring.<br \/>\n\tTrack the performance of Trade Finance transactions post-disbursement to ensure alignment with DBSA\u2019s strategic objectives.<br \/>\n\tIdentify key risks facing the Trade Finance portfolio and implementation of mitigating strategies\/policies.<br \/>\n\tUndertake continuous research and provide recommendations on significant developments, emerging opportunities, and challenges in areas of responsibility.<br \/>\n\tFacilitate invoice discounting and receivables finance by assessing client needs and structuring appropriate funding solutions.<br \/>\n\tFacilitate supply chain finance by collaborating with buyers and suppliers to optimise cash flow and working capital.<br \/>\n\tDevelop and implement innovative and bespoke short-term working capital financing structures that are aligned with the DBSA\u2019s mandate.<br \/>\n\tArrange forfaiting transactions by purchasing receivables to provide liquidity to exporters.<br \/>\n\tProvide Letter of Credit (LC) and guarantee financing solutions to clients.<br \/>\n\tArrange complex pre-export financing (PXF) structures for DBSA\u2019s client base.<br \/>\n\tFacilitate pre-payment finance by providing funding to suppliers in advance of goods delivery, ensuring alignment with trade agreements.<br \/>\n\tManage tolling transactions by structuring financial support for tolling arrangements, enabling clients to optimise production capacity.<br \/>\n\tArrange inventory financing and borrowing base facilities for clients by establishing credit lines linked to the value of clients&#8217; current assets, such as receivables and inventory.<br \/>\n\tSupport export and agency finance by structuring deals involving export credit agencies or multilateral finance institutions to promote cross-border trade.<br \/>\n\tProvide Lines of Credit to trade finance financial institutions and other intermediaries, such as Trade Finance Funds.<\/p>\n<p>Risk Management and Governance<\/p>\n<p>\tEstablish and maintain the DBSA\u2019s Trade Finance governance framework, ensuring that all transactions align with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.<br \/>\n\tPerform due diligence and risk assessments for all Trade Finance transactions to safeguard DBSA\u2019s financial and operational integrity.<br \/>\n\tDesign and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.<br \/>\n\tLead the identification and acquisition of the appropriate risk rating tools for trade transactions.<br \/>\n\tProvide strategic insight into the design of operational risk management parameters to mitigate risk, including the identification and management of external collateral managers.<\/p>\n<p>Stakeholder Relations and Management<\/p>\n<p>\tNetwork and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to further develop specific investment opportunities.<br \/>\n\tEngage key stakeholders to position the DBSA as a preferred trade financier.<br \/>\n\tBuild and manage relationships with key internal and external clients to increase the Bank\u2019s reach on Trade Finance transactions.<br \/>\n\tCultivate relationships with Trade Finance partners, clients, and industry networks to build the unit&#8217;s presence and credibility in the market.<br \/>\n\tEngage with clients to understand the Trade Finance needs and propose tailored solutions aligned with the DBSA strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Digital Transformation<\/p>\n<p>\tChampion and drive digital transformation initiatives, leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and unlock new value streams within the DBSA.<br \/>\n\tFoster a mindset of innovation, identifying opportunities to adopt emerging technologies and best practices to modernise processes and deliver impactful solutions.<\/p>\n<p>People Management<\/p>\n<p>\tLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning to maximise individual and collective potential.<br \/>\n\tDrive talent development initiatives, including coaching, performance management, and career pathing, to build and retain a skilled and motivated team.<br \/>\n\tProvide direction and management to the business unit to enable the strategy execution.<br \/>\n\tAttract, retain, and develop talent and ensure succession planning and sufficient capacity and capability in all critical functions, supporting diversity strategies and initiatives as well.<br \/>\n\tPromote DBSA values and a culture of high performance through implementing performance management in line with the planned strategic objectives, goals, quality standards and agreed key performance measures using sound performance management principles.<\/p>\n<p>Key Measurements Outputs<\/p>\n<p>\tValue and number of Trade Finance approvals, commitments, and disbursements.<br \/>\n\tQuality of trade finance transactions (ECL measurement).<br \/>\n\tDevelopment and launch of new flow and structured trade finance products.<br \/>\n\tPercentage of trade finance book in priority geographies and sectors.<br \/>\n\tNumber of transactions that are committed for DBSA funding to black-owned entities (50% shareholding and above) and fund managers.<br \/>\n\tImplementation of strategic initiatives.<br \/>\n\tClients and Stakeholders service rating.<br \/>\n\tDemonstration of thought leadership and a recognised expert in the area of responsibility.<\/p>\n<p>Expertise &amp; Technical Competencies\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<br \/>\nMinimum Qualifications<\/p>\n<p>\tA postgraduate qualification or equivalent in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Development Finance, Infrastructure Development, or a related field.<\/p>\n<p>Minimum Experience<\/p>\n<p>\tA minimum of 12 years\u2019 experience in Trade Finance, Structured Trade Finance, Structured Commodity Finance (DFI, Banking or Investment environment), with 5 years\u2019 relevant managerial experience.<br \/>\n\tDemonstrable experience in assessing transaction opportunities and projects from an early stage to an advanced implementation stage.<br \/>\n\tExperience with working with cross-functional deal teams and assigning resources to conclude transactions.<br \/>\n\tAbility to provide value to transactions for the benefit of and\/or the client through knowledge of the subject, innovation, and lateral thinking.<br \/>\n\tComprehensive knowledge of the financial and regulatory environments within the relevant sector and\/or geography.<br \/>\n\tIn-depth knowledge and understanding of the trade finance market, financial markets, and the macro landscape.<br \/>\n\tExperienced communicator and negotiator (expertise at senior level).<br \/>\n\tStrong negotiation skills with the ability to close deals.<br \/>\n\tProven experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders in highly political environments in South Africa and the rest of Africa.<\/p>\n<p>Desirable Requirements<\/p>\n<p>\tChartered Financial Analyst<br \/>\n\tProject Management Professional<br \/>\n\tChartered Accountant CA(SA)<\/p>\n<p>Deadline:19th June,2026<\/p>\n<p>go to method of application \u00bb<\/p>\n<p>Apply via company website ( http:\/\/www.dbsa.org ) or<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_promoted":"","_job_location":"","_application":"","_company_name":"Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)","_company_website":"http:\/\/www.dbsa.org","_company_tagline":"The Development Bank of Southern Africa (\"DBSA\u201d) is a development finance institution wholly owned by the South African Government. Its purpose is to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development to improve the quality of life of the people in South Africa, SADC and Rest of Africa by providing... read more financial and non-financial investments in the social and economic infrastructure sectors. The DBSA support South Africa\u2019s regional integration agenda through providing development finance for infrastructure projects in four priority sectors; energy (including renewable energy and energy efficiency), transportation (road, rail and ports), bulk water and ICT, across Africa. Development Bank of Southern Africa Headway Hill 1258 Lever Road Midrand South Africa","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_filled":0,"_featured":0,"_remote_position":0,"_job_salary":"","_job_salary_currency":"","_job_salary_unit":""},"job_listing_region":[11],"job-types":[12],"class_list":{"0":"post-37519","1":"job_listing","2":"type-job_listing","3":"status-publish","4":"hentry","5":"job_listing_region-gauteng","7":"job-type-full-time"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings\/37519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/job_listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"job_listing_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job_listing_region?post=37519"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-types?post=37519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}