Who are we?
SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent’s high GDP–contributing life sciences and industrials sectors.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced and talented Trader Assistant, for our fertilizers desk based in Switzerland. He/she should have good knowledge of the fertilizers market in Africa and be fluent in English.
Key Responsibilities
Market Research & Analysis: Monitor global fertilizer markets (price indices), supply/demand dynamics, freight rates, trade flows, and competitor positioning.
Trade Execution: Assist in executing purchase and sales contracts of fertilizer products, ensuring adherence to legal, credit, and company standards.
Origination Support: Support senior traders to source products from global suppliers; evaluate counterparty quality, negotiate preliminary terms, and manage supplier relationships under oversight.
Reporting & Documentation: Prepare trade recap, pricing sheets, and contract documentation; manage trading documents and reports ensuring accuracy and timely submission to back‑office.
Risk Management: Track open positions and P&L; help identify and mitigate credit, market, and operational risks; flag exposure to the desk head.
Logistics Coordination: Liaise with logistics teams on vessel nominations, port scheduling, customs, and inventory planning across Sub‑Saharan African hubs.
Compliance & Regulations: Ensure all trading activities are in line with industry regulations, Incoterm 2020, trade finance (LC/documentary credit), and company policies.
Tender Responses: Contribute to government and cooperative tender responses for bulk fertilizer procurement within the group's African footprint.
Accountable for delivering all transactions On Time In Full (OTIF) within assigned scope.
Education Level
Bachelor or Master’s degree in Economics, Agronomy, International Trade, Finance, Engineering, or Supply Chain.
Fluency in French and English is a minimum; any other language is a plus.
Experience
1–3 years of experience in commodity trading, agri‑input procurement, shipping, or trade finance (internships in relevant industries valued).
A first experience with fertilizer global markets, major producers, and key trading flows is a strong plus.
Experience with purchase/sales into African destinations is highly valued.
Familiarity with vessel management, chartering operations, and bulk logistics.
Exposure to commodity price databases (Argus, Bloomberg, Reuters) appreciated.
Knowledge / Soft Skills / Hard Skills
Strong analytical skills and market intelligence capabilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel, modelling, scenario analysis, pivot tables).
Working ERP knowledge (D365 or equivalent).
Strong negotiation, sales and relationship management skills.
Team‑oriented mindset; able to collaborate across trading, logistics, finance, and African subsidiaries.
Ability to set priorities and work autonomously with little supervision across multiple processes.
Take ownership and accountability for day‑to‑day responsibilities.
Customer‑oriented approach; responsive and reliable with internal and external stakeholders.
Entrepreneurial mindset; comfortable in a fast‑paced, international trading environment.
Additional Attributes
Able to tackle complex problems effectively and adapt to fast‑paced development environments.
A strong leader and have the ability to mentor junior consultants.
Proven track record of working effectively in remote team settings, demonstrating flexibility, and contributing positively to a collaborative work environment.
Analytical and a Problem‑Solving person: Exceptional ability to analyse complex requirements, identify potential bottlenecks, and devise effective solutions. Strong debugging skills to efficiently resolve issues in the development process.
Benefits
Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.
Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.
Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and ‘thinking out of the box’ is key.
Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.
Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.
Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
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