Principal Manager, ASB

Purpose of Job

The Principal Manager (PM) is responsible for delivery of Advice for Small Businesses (ASB) activities in the country, including developing realistic and compelling annual business plans and leading the local team to implement them in line with the EBRD’s strategic priorities for SME development in the country. The PM takes responsibility for overseeing and managing the conception, implementation, completion and evaluation of advisory activities aligned with EBRD investment priorities, managing the project portfolio, driving the design and implementation of strategic initiatives such as non-financial services for financial industry counterparts, supply chain advisory and start-up support as well as visibility activities, alongside regular management of the finance and administration of the local Programme.

The Principal Manager should maintain open and constructive relations both internally within the EBRD Resident Office and HQ and externally with the local business community, financial market players, donors and key private sector and government stakeholders. Importantly, the Principal Manager will personally champion and role model the Bank’s ethics culture by ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the team’s performance.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Associate Director, the Principal Manager 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 

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the ASB annual operational plan including the objectives of EBRD’s SME offer for the country and setting operational targets, in close collaboration with the Regional Associate Director.
• Conceptualise and lead the implementation of business development activities, in collaboration with banking colleagues in view of increasing the outreach to quality clients and generating bankable project pipeline.
• Conceptualise and lead the implementation of innovation solutions and products for SME sub-segments, in close coordination with relevant SME F&D HQ teams.
• Identify and pursue potential clients who meet the qualifying criteria, contributing to ASB and banking business development.
• 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. 
• Lead regular portfolio assessment to generate ideas for follow up support and nourishing clients for financing, as well as for new initiatives. 
• Together with the Regional Associate Director, recruit, motivate, train and develop staff within agreed policies and practices to maintain an effective workplace capable of meeting its objectives.
• Contribute to the development of the EBRD country strategy or policy dialogue efforts in line with SME sector priorities in consultation with EBRD country management.
• Oversee and manage the donor funded budget for the country, including grant monitoring and operational disbursements via local bank accounts, to ensure the budget is managed efficiently, effectively and transparently.
• Be accountable to donors for the effective management of their funds, including through regular consultation, reporting, audits and evaluations, so as to always be able to verify that public funding has been used prudently, for the intended purpose, and with impact that justifies its expenditure.

People Management

• Recruit, supervise, coach and guide members of the team, ensuring high quality of project work  and appropriate work load distribution amongst the team members; contribute to  their professional and competency development;
• Develop productive relationships within the organisation to able to work effectively in a country/sector matrix structure and in a multi-cultural working environment.
• Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills 

• BA /MA from a recognised programme in international development, economics or business and/or equivalent work experience
• People management (recruitment, mentoring, coaching) skills.
• Strong business / financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, assess forecasts,  understanding of local accounting principles and practice of company financial analysis.
• Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills and ability to manage relations with SME clients, partner financial institutions, consultants and other stakeholders. 
• Diplomatic skills to develop and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, including government officials and representatives of international organisations.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Fluency in English and local language(s), both written and verbal. Strong writing skills in English and local language(s).
• Strong writing skills, experience in writing proposals, concepts and reports desirable.
• 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, corporates, banks, or donor organisations. Financial industry experience is strongly desirable e.g bank lending, private equity or early stage investing.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in managing teams, including performance management.
• 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. 
• Knowledge of relevant stakeholders, SME business associations, financial sector players or support organizations. 
• Knowledge of donor funded work and donor organisations is 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? / 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).