Principal Specialist, ASB - Digital

Purpose of Job

The Principal, Digital Specialist, is responsible to drive and support the delivery of SME digital agenda. The Digital Specialist is responsible to support the teams to design and implement innovative advisory programmes/solutions that offer bespoke business and digital advisory services as a part EBRD SME business offer and delivery.

The Digital Specialist will work closely with relevant teams within SME Finance and Development business group, other teams across the EBRD particularly with Corporate Sector, Financial Institutions team, CSD and PSD, as well as Digital Hub to integrate digital components into SME offer, develop new digital initiatives and foster innovation, and strengthen the team’s capacity vis-a-vis emerging digital trends. The Specialist will start the work in two regions – CSEE and Eastern Partnership & Turkey.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of SME digital programs and solutions that offer bespoke digital advisory services including tailored made advisory projects, trainings, eco-system support activities, and awareness raising activities in EBRD Countries of Operations (COO).
• Leverage on the EBRD network of partnerships and market knowledge to identify new opportunities for advancing SME digital agenda, to advance and promote innovative and scalable digital initiatives that enhance SME access to finance and build skills and capacity.
• Follow the trends in new technologies (AI, blockchain, IoT) and assess/identify their applicability for SME finance and development.
• Identify and support the integrations of fintech solutions to enhance SME access to finance.
• Develop digital projects including but not limited to process automation, digital payments, clouds solutions, and data analytics tailored to SMEs’ needs.
• Advocate for policy enhancement that support SME digital transformation and access to finance.
• Develop metrics and frameworks to track the impact of digital transformation initiatives on SME performance, as well as impact reporting for showing impact and guide decision making.
• Access and address digital barriers to SME growth, such as gaps in digital infrastructure or cybersecurity.
• Participate as a team member of banking projects to drive impactful outcomes for the EBRD clients.
• Develop knowledge-sharing resources and products to disseminate both internally and externally best practices on Digital.
• Track key performance indicators for programmes, frameworks, and transactions involving Digital solutions, ensuring implementation teams meet targets and providing support to address any obstacles.
• Coordinate with relevant teams within EBRD to leverage additional resources, expertise, and insights that support green delivery, creating cross-departmental partnerships that improve programme reach and effectiveness.
• Working horizontally across all relevant SME products (Non-Financial Services for PFI, Supply Chain Solutions, Blue Ribbon, etc.), the principle is responsible for supporting the SME F&D Group deliver SME digital programs and projects.
• Develop and implement digital strategies aimed at accelerating SMEs’ adoption of digital tools and platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Academic/Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Technologies, Business, Finance, or an equivalent experience/ certification in the areas of such expertise. A Master's degree in the field of expertise is preferred.

Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience in the area of digitalisation, digital transformation, or technology-driven project implementation, ideally with a focus on SME development.
• Deep knowledge of SME and corporate sector, with a track record of implementing digital solutions and their impact at the enterprise or ecosystem level. 
• Knowledge of trends and drivers influencing digital solutions in terms of potential impact on enterprises and their practices.
• Excellent knowledge of product development in areas of expertise and excellent project management skills with a track record of design and implementation of impactful development programmes for SMEs.

• Capability to design and manage SME development programmes, analyse, monitor, and assess the impact of advisory activities and report on their effectiveness.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, particularly financial institutions and corporates, to advance scalable green initiatives.

• Ability to provide guidance to country teams on the implementation of digital advisory programmes, ensuring alignment with best practices and consistency in delivery.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills, and ability to innovate and think creatively.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation and negotiations skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in other languages of countries of operations would be an advantage.

General

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development.
• Ability to work in teams, cross-departmental and multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationship and to coordinate closely with relevant teams across the bank to ensure full alignment and coordination of joint initiatives or products.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).