Associate, ASB

Purpose of Job

Under the guidance of the Principal Manager, the Associate leads and contributes to all activities of the EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses Programme, including initiation, structuring, execution, implementation, monitoring and completion of advisory projects and non-project activities. 

The Associate is expected to proactively engage in business development for and delivery of compliant projects, undertake due diligence including compatibility with SME F&D group strategic directions, stakeholder outreach and coordination of other non-financial services.

The Associate will work, in particular, with high growth potential clients to identify their business needs, areas for business advice and potential financing needs to nourish them for investment readiness.

The Associate will lead the design and delivery of non-project initiatives in support of EBRD’s strategic priorities in collaboration with EBRD’s partner banks or other strategic stakeholders.

The Associate will work in close coordination with banking, policy and sector teams in EBRD Resident Offices and HQ and where relevant and under the supervision of the Principal Manager, liaise with relevant external partners, stakeholders and donors.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Principal Manager and, where applicable, in support of the Regional Associate Director, the Associate will  lead the delivery of instruments, activities and any other delegated tasks under the Advice for Small Businesses Programme in line with strategic priorities of the Bank and the SME Finance and Development Business Group, and in coordination with relevant teams (e.g. Financial Institutions, Corporate sector, Policy teams).

1. Structuring and Execution

• Perform all activities under the Programme in full alignment with the Bank’s policies and procedures, donor requirements, internal control and compliance standards, as well as the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct working with credible and respectable counterparts.
• Be responsible for origination and conception, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation of advisory activities.
• Liaise with relevant banking colleagues to identify and structure most suitable advisory support for high growth SMEs.
• Analyse clients’ financials and growth prospects, with a view to structure impactful advisory support and nourish them for financing.
• In close collaboration with the  Principal Manager, initiate and lead business development and generate a pipeline of high quality clients and advisory activities in priority areas (e.g. digital, green, inclusion, innovation).
• In close coordination with and support of the Principal Manager, engage with external stakeholders and partner organisations to explore SME development support needs and lead on relevant initiatives (e.g. partner financial institutions, government representatives, business associations, EBRD corporate clients other relevant entities with SME development mandate).

2. Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

• Ensure maximum synergy of advisory and banking, such as under EBRD intermediated SME finance programmes, e.g. Women in Business or Youth in Business, we well as Risk Sharing Facilities; Supply Chain Financing or other dedicated financial or non-financial initiatives.
• Contribute to regular portfolio assessment to generate ideas for follow up support and new initiatives.
• Monitoring portfolio companies’ performance and nourishing them for financing.
• Actively contribute to banking project approval documents as and when required, and participate as a team member in the banking project implementation as relevant.
• Follow market trends in strategic priority areas to contribute to and lead the development of innovative ideas for financial and non-financial products for SMEs. 
• Independently prepare internal and donor reports in partnership with the HQ as and when required to inform donors on the progress of activities and utilisation of funding, as well as contribute to new donor proposals.
• Where relevant, be responsible for implementing of marketing and visibility activities to promote Advice for Small Businesses activities and donor/s in the country.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree (Business, Economics, Finance), Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise.
• Strong financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understand local accounting principles and conduct financial analysis.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Strong problem solving skills and ability to think creatively.
• Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills and ability to independently manage relations with SME clients, partner financial institutions, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills; experience in writing advisory project proposals, terms of references or reports desirable.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in language of country of operations is essential.
• Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive relevant professional experience, preferably from commercial management consultancy, development institutions or financial institutions (banks).
• Good knowledge of and experience working in at least one of EBRD’s strategic SME priority areas (i.e. green economy, economic inclusion, sustainable supply chains, SME finance and digitalisation), as well as market trends in these areas
• Knowledge and understanding of business advisory services.
• Knowledge of local business environment and consultancy market is essential.
• Knowledge of relevant stakeholders,  SME business associations financial sector players or support organizations.
• Knowledge of marketing and social media desirable.

General

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work independently and in diverse teams.

• Multi-tasking, self initiative.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the country and internationally.

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).