Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP)

Purpose of Job:

The Associate Director Product Management and Transformation Lead, TFP is responsible for all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of: business transformation programme management; end-to-end banking process review/design and implementation; Operational Risk Controls typologies/design and implementation and testing; Banking Key Risk Frameworks (with deep knowledge and experience of Operational Risk practices, (including Operational Risk Self-Assessment ‘ORSA’); Banking Product design/review and approval; design and maintenance of departmental product libraries; review/transformation/implementation of strategic and process level projects in respect of the Bank’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP).The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead  is also responsible for expert input, identification, development and delivery of solutions pertinent to Trade Finance business frameworks/risks (e.g. Fraud, Sanctions) and cross-project stakeholder management at all levels up to and including Executive Board level ,  and policy dialogue. 

Externally, the Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead is one of the Bank’s primary representatives with a wide range of Transformation stakeholders, clients, and other stakeholders, while internally the Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead is responsible for ensuring that projects are executed, implemented and monitored in line with the procedures, policies and strategies of the Bank.  The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead contributes to setting the team’s strategy and targets and plays a critical role in meeting them.

The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead takes responsibility for effective leadership of his/ her project teams, supervises junior banking staff, and provides adequate coaching and mentoring assistance.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

1.           Enhanced Product Management:

o            Innovation and Development: The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead TFP will bring expertise in product management, enabling the implementation of a trade system for TFP that allows the development of trade finance products that meet market demands and client needs. This focus will ensure our product offerings remain competitive and relevant.

o            Product Lifecycle Management: Effective management of the product lifecycle, from ideation through to launch and post-market evaluation, will optimize our product portfolio. This role will ensure products are continuously improved and aligned with customer expectations.

o            Market Responsiveness: By closely monitoring market trends and customer feedback, the Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead TFP will ensure our products are agile and responsive to changes in the market, providing EBRD with a significant competitive advantage.

2.           Operational Efficiency:

o            Process Optimization: The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead TFP will focus on supporting the Director in identifying and implementing process improvements across the organization. Streamlined workflows and automated processes will reduce operational costs, increase speed, and enhance accuracy for TFP.

o            Technology Integration: working with the Transformation teams to implement a new Trade platform, potentially leveraging emerging technologies, such as AI and blockchain, this role will support the Director in driving digital transformation initiatives that automate manual tasks, reduce errors, and increase overall efficiency.

o            Resource Allocation: Optimizing resource allocation and ensuring that teams are working efficiently on high-impact projects will be a key responsibility. This will maximize productivity and ensure that operational goals are met consistently.

3.           Improved Risk Management:

o            Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead TFP will design and implement advanced risk management frameworks, incorporating new risk assessment tools to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in real-time.

o            Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory requirements will be a top priority. This role will establish robust compliance mechanisms to safeguard against regulatory breaches and associated penalties.

o            Fraud Prevention: Implementing new fraud detection systems and processes will help in identifying and preventing fraudulent activities, thereby protecting the Bank’s assets and reputation.

4.           Leadership of TFP Transformation :

o            Strategic Project Oversight: The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead TFProle will establish the Transformation function, ensure governance and project materials are updated efficiently and effectively.

o            Project Coordination: By coordinating with the Central Transformation Office, Procurement and other business and operational areas, and external stakeholders/suppliers, this role will ensure that the transformation required is aligned with our strategic objectives, improves risk profile, efficiency and control.

o            Prioritisation and Focus: the role will create a holistic solution to meet the TFP vision; RACI, Scenarios, Design Requirements, testing requirements; alignment to policy and redesign of any impacted processes or controls 

5.           Management of Multiple Strategic Initiatives:

o            Strategic Project Oversight: The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead TFP role will work with the Director to manage multiple strategic initiatives and projects simultaneously, ensuring they are executed efficiently and effectively.

o            Project Coordination: By coordinating various projects, this role will ensure that all initiatives are aligned with our strategic objectives, reducing overlap and maximizing synergies.

o            Prioritization and Focus: This role will help prioritize initiatives based on their strategic importance, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects with the highest impact on our business goals.

6.           Support for the Director:

o            : The Associate Director, Product Management and Transformation Lead will ensure strategic alignment of all transformation initiatives with the Bank's Strategic Capital Framework objectives and the TFP goals and objectives providing a cohesive approach to achieving our vision.

7.           Staff Management

•            Assist in recruiting, training, coaching and mentoring junior team members, in coordination with the Head of TFP Team, involving them in all aspects of the project cycle (appraisal, execution, implementation, monitoring and business development), ensuring adequate quality of project work  and appropriate work load distribution amongst the project team members; contribute to  their professional and competency development;

•            Develop productive relationships within the organisation to be able to work effectively in a country/sector matrix structure and in a multi-cultural working environment.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge:

Qualifications and Skills:

•            Bachelor’s degree.  Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise.

•            Excellent Transformation project design and management skills

•            Excellent Trade Finance Product knowledge

•            Excellent knowledge of Risk Frameworks

•            Excellent knowledge of Operational Risk and Controls (including implementation of Operational Risk Self Assessment ‘ORSA’)

•            Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills.

•            Excellent business development and public relations skills

•            Excellent organisation skills

•            Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

•            Excellent presentation and communication skills capable of application at Executive Board level of stakeholder

•            Excellent understanding of the Banking regulatory environment impacting our countries of operation, including Sanctions, prudential and governance elements

•            Strong quantitative/numerical skills are critical with the ability to interpret financial information.

•            Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spread sheet packages.

•            Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes.

•            Stakeholder management skills.

•            Coaching, mentoring & leadership skills.

•            Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure.

Experience & Knowledge:

•            Extensive years of relevant experience in trade finance as well as financial industry experience in a commercial bank or developmental financial institution

•            Extensive experience of leading complex transactions through the full product life cycle.

•            Strong experience of leading complex transformation programmes through full project life cycle.

•            Leadership of banking operations teams managing complex transactional processes

•            Leadership of or senior level roles in Operational Risk and Controls

•            Leadership of or senior level roles in Regulatory Compliance

•            Leadership of or senior level roles in Commercial product and process design/review processes.

•            Senior level contribution and/or exposure to policy, standards and governance frameworks 

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).