Associate, ASB

Purpose of Job:

This is a 24 month fixed term assignment, based in the Tunis RO.

Under the supervision of Principal Manager/ Regional Principal Manager the Associate is leading on delivering advisory instruments, activities and any other delegated tasks under Advice for Small Businesses Programme (“ASB”) in line with strategic priorities of the Bank and SME Finance and Development (“SME F&D”) (e.g. synergy with banking, integrated products, green, digital, inclusion, risk sharing, sustainable supply chain financing) and in coordination with relevant teams internally (e.g. Financial Instruments, Industry Commerce and Agribusiness, Inclusion, Policy and other relevant teams).The Associate will perform in full alignment with 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. The Associate will be responsible to take a proactive role in pipeline development of high potential clients with banking prospects and provide advisory support to nourish them to become investment ready, including but not limited to project generation, conception and implementation/monitoring, evaluation of more sophisticated and complex projects, as well as portfolio management and its assessment. The Associate will also work alongside bankers to assess clients’ financing needs, propose, and implement pre- and post-investment support related to execution of EBRD banking projects.  Responsibilities will also include design and delivery of market and sector development activities, digital outreach, cooperation with relevant partners and stakeholders, as well as visibility activities. The Associate will be responsible to follow on market trends and carry out analysis of portfolio to propose new ideas, as well as look for leads for new funding.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

•            Support the Principal Manager/ Regional Principal Manager/ Associate Director to develop and implement the ASB annual operational plan for the country, propose new initiatives, as well as other operational efforts  focusing on the SME F&D Strategic Priority Areas.

•            Under the supervision of the Principal Manager/ Regional Principal Manager/ Associate Director lead on design and implementation of more complex/sophisticated ASB projects with the focus on bankable clients and SME F&D Strategic Priority Areas including identifying potential clients, developing project proposal, and deliver advisory work to potential clients.

•            Originate and develop the pipeline of potential clients to support banking pipeline generation, particularly SME F&D, FI (Financial Institutions) and ICA (Industry, Commerce and Agribusiness), business development.

•            Execute ASB projects throughout project cycle from generation, conception, implementation and evaluation in full alignment with the Bank’s policies, donor requirements, internally set quality and compliance standards, as well as highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct working with credible and respectable counterparties and mitigating financial or reputational risks to the Bank or donor.

•            Ensure to follow prescribed procedure and standards for the selection of the consultant and in line with highest standards, ensure the terms of reference meet quality standards and prepare the project proposal in line with ASB best practices.

•            Contribute to the development of internal and donor reports in partnership with the HQ.

•            Follow and identify potential donor funding leads and other market and business opportunities.

•            Under the supervision of a line manager, lead on the initiatives with partner organizations (e.g. business associations and SME support organization, partner financial institution or other relevant partner with SME mandate).

•            Under the supervision of the line manager lead on the design and implementation of market development or visibility activities focusing on the Strategic Priority Areas in line with ASB best practices.

•            Interface with ASB staff in the country and in HQ as well as banking colleagues with a view to generate cross-referrals for direct and indirect EBRD investments and ASB projects; identify prospects for Blue Ribbon portfolio. This may include participating as a team member in banking projects implementation.

•            Manage relations with local consultants with a view on expanding the consultancy database and international experts.

•            Support Principal Manager/ Regional Principal Manager/ Associate Director to establish and sustain good relations with donors and other stakeholders to identify and recommend funding leads, support the development of funding proposals and produce accurate and relevant donor reports.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

Education/Professional qualifications

•            Bachelor’s degree (Business, Economics, Finance etc.)

Experience

•            Relevant professional experience, preferably from management or impact consultancy firms (strong preference), or alternatively from financial institutions (banks), or auditing companies.

•            Good knowledge and experience working in at least one of the SME F&D Priority Areas (e.g. green, economic inclusive, sustainable supply chains, risk sharing, digitalisation) as well as follow market trends in these areas.

•            Knowledge of local business environment and consultancy market.

•            Knowledge of relevant stakeholders and SME business association or support organizations.

Skills

•            Strong business advisory and consultancy skills.

•            Business/financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understand accounting principles and conduct financial analysis.

•            Strong project management and organisational skills.

•            Strong business diagnostics and problem-solving skills.

•            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.

•            Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in French.

•            Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.

•            Knowledge of marketing and social media.

General

•            Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development.

•            Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.

•            Ability to work independently and with diverse teams.

•            Multi-tasking, self-initiative.

•            Ability to meet deadlines.

•            Ability and willingness to travel within the country.

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).