Associate, Senior Programme Specialist

Purpose of Job

The Associate is responsible for a) carrying out consultancy work with selected clients and prospects in selected priority areas for the Bank (e.g. sustainable supply chains, digital, ESG, inclusion. etc.), (“SME F&D Strategic Priority Areas”) b) assessing the potential current and future funding needs of clients and prospects, c) identifying potential clients for advisory support and d) identifying consultants to manage the advisory assignments with the Bank’s clients and promoting best practice in the project cycle.

The Associate will work with clients to assess their business needs and identify areas for business advice and potential financing needs. The Associate will develop the scope of advisory projects and either implement them independently or, when appropriate, identify and appoint suitable consultants or experts to assist. The Associate will manage a portfolio of advisory projects through the stages of conception, implementation, completion and impact evaluation as well as support the other members of the team where needed. The Associate will also work alongside bankers to assess clients’ financing needs as well as working alongside them in executing EBRD banking projects.

The Associate will provide backstopping support for the Principal Manager in the country and develop relations with clients, consultants, EBRD banking colleagues as well as ASB staff in other countries and HQ to share knowledge and develop best practice.

 Accountabilities & Responsibilities

•            Support the Principal Manager to develop and implement the ASB annual operational plan for the country, as well as other operational and strategic efforts.

•            Lead direct or indirect (i.e. with external consultants) implementation of ASB projects including identifying potential clients, developing project proposal, and deliver advisory work to potential clients, including:

a.           Originate and develop the pipeline of potential clients who meet the qualifying criteria with the focus on strategic priority areas, taking particular responsibility for ensuring compliance with EBRD integrity standards and making appropriate referrals to support banking business development.

b.           Ensure the competitive selection of the consultant, ensure the terms of reference meet standards and prepare the project proposal in line with ASB best practices.

c.           Manage project implementation to ensure consultants deliver in accordance with the terms of reference

d.           Evaluate completed projects in accordance with established methodology in order to assess impact and provide analytical input for further analysis.

e.           Contribute to the development of internal and donor reports in partnership with the HQ team to inform donors on the progress of activities and utilisation of funding.

•            Participate as a team member of banking projects (i.e. where financing is provided to clients).

•            Identify Blue Ribbon clients, analyse their financials and monitor portfolio companies’ performance to ultimately preparing them for financing.

•            Support Head of Regional Programme and Associate Directors to establish and sustain good relations with donors and other stakeholders to identify and recommend funding leads and support the development of funding proposals.

Education/Professional qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree (Environment, Economics, Finance etc.) and/or equivalent business experience

Experience:

• Strong professional experience in circular economy.
• Relevant professional experience, preferably from management or impact consultancy firms (strong preference), or alternatively from banks, investment firms or corporates.
• Solid experience working in at least two of the SME F&D Priority Areas (i.e. ESG, sustainable supply chains and digitalisation) as well as market trends in these areas.
• Strong knowledge of the topics of green economy, decarbonation, energy efficiency and economic inclusion.
• Strong experience working with International Development Finance Institutions.
• Knowledge of local business environment and consultancy market.
• Established network in the green ecosystem in Morocco.

Skills:

• Strong managerial experience.
• Strong business advisory and consultancy skills.
• Business / financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understand local accounting principles and conduct financial analysis.
• Strong project management and organisational skills. Project Management Professional Certification is desirable.
• Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills and ability to manage relations with clients, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills; experience in writing advisory consultancy projects, project proposals, terms of references or reports required.
• Fluency in English, Arabic and French both written and verbal.
• Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.

General:

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.
• Multi-tasking, self initiative.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively 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.