Junior Oil Trader

We are Imbono. A leading operator and provider of infrastructure and essential goods and services across emerging markets. There is no other emerging markets player like us. We combine global capital and operational expertise in a single, integrated model. We are the architects of possibility – sharp thinkers, problem solvers, and resourceful innovators who make things happen when no one else can. And every project is built to last. Our ambition is to transform the lives of more than 100 million people by 2040 by expanding access to essential services such as water, energy, food, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Our Mission is delivering integrated, high-impact solutions that expand access to essential services combining operational execution, local presence, strategic partnerships, and sustainable capital.

About the Department

The Commodities, Oil and Gas team is responsible for the trading, operational execution, risk and strategic management of commodities, crude oil, petroleum products and gas transactions across regional and global markets. The team manages the full trade lifecycle, from origination, commercial negotiations, contract conclusion and operational and logistics execution and financial settlement. It brings together trading, market review and intelligence with operations, and back-office expertise to ensure effective risk management, strong governance, and positive commercial performance with a view to increasing the trading footprint of the Group. The function works closely with Finance, Treasury, Legal, IT, and HR to support sustainable business growth and positioning.

Role Summary

This is an entry-level front-office trading position designed for a commercially driven, analytically strong individual who is beginning their career in commodity markets. The Junior Oil Trader will support other more senior traders in executing physical and/or paper transactions across crude oil and refined products, whilst developing independent market judgment, counterparty relationships, and risk management capabilities. Working under the direct supervision of the Head of Crude & Products Trading, the successful candidate will rotate across core trading activities and gain structured exposure to market analysis, deal execution, scheduling, and risk reporting. Over time, the role carries a clear pathway to a fully autonomous trading mandate with P&L responsibility. The role will contribute directly to strategic growth while managing market risk and developing supply, demand, and pricing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Originate and execute physical and/or paper trades in oil markets (e.g., crude, gasoline, diesel, fuel oil)
• Monitor global and regional markets to identify arbitrage, pricing trends, and trading opportunities
• Manage positions and exposure in line with risk limits and compliance frameworks
• Develop and maintain relationships with counterparties, suppliers, brokers, and logistics teams
• Collaborate with operations, compliance, legal, structuring and finance to ensure timely and compliant execution
• Contribute to market intelligence, trading strategy, and investment decision-making
• Attend industry events and maintain visibility in the trading community
• Build and maintain pricing models, crack spread analyses, and market intelligence reports.
• Contribute to trading strategy discussions and present market views to the desk.

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in a trading, risk, market analysis, or closely related commercial role within oil & gas, energy, or financial markets.
• Proven track record of consistent profitability and strong deal execution will be a plus
• Deep understanding of market structures, pricing benchmarks (e.g. Platts, Argus), logistics, and hedging instruments
• Strong analytical mindset, market instincts, and decision-making under pressure
• Established counterparty network in relevant regions and products
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Proficient in trading tools, risk systems, and Excel; experience with ETRM platforms preferred
• Internship or placement experience on a commodity trading desk, at an oil major, energy trading house, or investment bank is strongly preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with European, African, or Middle Eastern refined product flows
• Exposure to shipping and chartering dynamics
• Experience in building books, structuring deals, or developing new markets

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, or a closely related field

Competencies

• Commodity markets (crude/refined), pricing benchmarks (Platts, Argus), derivatives and hedging instruments
• Quantitative modelling, data analysis, and trading systems proficiency
• Risk management frameworks, trade lifecycle, supply chain and logistics fundamentals
• Commercial acumen, entrepreneurial thinking, and sound judgement under pressure
• Communication, collaboration, integrity, resilience, and high attention to detail

Our Values

• Client Oriented
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Perseverance

We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We want every candidate to perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.