Principal, SME F&D Grants Unit

Purpose of Job

The Principal is responsible for assisting with the fundraising activity of the Unit, overseeing new product development initiatives, managing selected donor relationships, with a focus on the EU, to mobilise funding, and ensure timely reporting. In addition, the Principal plays a key role in enabling the SME F&D Grants team to achieve annual targets by undertaking a range of activities, such as: i) assisting in the development of strategies to cover the different aspects of the group’s work and the necessary funding, ii) reviewing market and product development activities and business development, iii) conducting quality assurance, iv)  contribute to the internal approval procedures for the use of grants resources from the Grants Review Unit (GRU) v) participate in planning, designing, procuring, facilitating implementation, monitoring and reporting on TC- or Bank-funded consultancy assignments and on non-TC grants, blended with financing. 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day SME F&D Grants activities to ensure team objectives to be achieved.
• Oversee the successful development of programmes and products that involve key stakeholders from across the bank, donors, and the relative fund raising
• Establish and sustain good relations with selected donors, with a particular specialisation on the EU, and other stakeholders to develop funding proposals.
• Manage timely production of reports on programmes to inform funding donors on progress and impact.
• Work with country teams to design and review new products, new programmes or multi-country initiatives to maximise the transition impact and sustainability of TC and non-TC projects.
• Conduct quality assurance and due diligence to ensure effective management and delivery of TC and non-TC project portfolio, especially in view of the EFSD+
• Manage delivery of special initiatives such as thematic or regional programmes that for instance require coordination between SME F&D country teams and regions and/or partnership with other teams in the Bank.
• Assist and coordinate the internal approval process procedures for the use of grants resources from the Grants Review Unit (GRU).
• Contribute to the development of global communication and visibility material to promote SME F&D activities to internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Education/Professional qualifications

Strong academic background with relevant Master’s degree (Economics, MBA, MPA, International Development etc.) from a leading university in the country of education.

Experience

• Relevant professional experience, preferably gained from an IFI, the EU, development organisation, commercial management consultancy or bank, donor organisation, or international support programme.
• Knowledge of donor funded work, donor organisations and experience in donor fund mobilisation desirable, particularly specialised knowledge of the EU

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively, Ability to multi-task and react quickly.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills and ability to draw insightful conclusions.
• Strong numerical skills, experience in impact measurement and assessments or similar (econometric analysis); experience working with databases desirable.
• Strong writing skills; experience in writing reports and donor proposals desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interface with multi-country teams.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in Russian, French, as well as other languages of countries of operations would be an advantage.
• Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Excel, Power Point and SAP, knowledge of STATA or similar systems desirable, ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Business / financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding of local accounting principles and practice of company financial analysis desirable.
• A developing track record in managing processes and different teams in order to successfully bring programmes and products from the “drawing board to the market”.

General

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.  

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.   

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).