Principal Banker, Debt Portfolio

Purpose of Job:

The Principal Banker will be exclusively focusing on managing projects in the private corporate debt portfolio, primarily projects in Poland but possibly also Regional projects or projects in other country(ies) as may be designated from time to time. The work will be expected to be carried out from Warsaw, with client visits to other parts of Poland as may be required.

To be effective and successful, the Principal Banker is competent in undertaking all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of, project development and implementation, including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring, for debt instruments offered by the Bank.

The Principal Banker will act as the responsible Portfolio Operation Leader (‘POL’), with or without more junior resources, for each (current or new) project as assigned to his/her own portfolio. In addition, he/she may be asked to act as a senior member of a project team supporting and coaching junior POLs. He/she will also be expected to act as an interim POL for another POL’s project during their absence, as may be requested by the Line Manager. In his/her portfolio work, the Principal Banker will be working closely with and be supervised by the Line Manager.

The Principal Banker’s role includes elements of client management, in close cooperation with the Line Manager, with other local POLs (as applicable) and with the relevant bankers responsible in the Country and Sector teams. The Principal Banker is able to build, lead and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders in relation to implementation and monitoring, as applicable.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities: 

Portfolio Monitoring and Reporting

Under the guidance and supervision of the regional Portfolio Associate Director (‘PAD’) and in line with the terms of reference for the Portfolio Operation Leader (‘POL’), the Principal Banker’s main tasks will include, inter alia:

•            As a Portfolio Operation Leader:

•            Take overall responsibility as the POL for the effective day-to-day monitoring of all projects within his/her own responsibility, including preparing and/or verifying the quality of regular monitoring reports; taking the lead in maintaining or supervising the management of client relationships; actively managing the resolution of any implementation/monitoring issues in cooperation with the PAD; managing and supervising more junior bankers who may be assisting in portfolio monitoring;

•            Detect and resolve early signs of distress through proactive client engagement, planning and executing client visits and reporting promptly on potential breaches or issues. The Principal Banker may participate in or over time lead potential restructurings of portfolio transactions;

•            Take responsibility for ensuring timely notification of any critical portfolio issues to the relevant PAD and/or Management, ensuring to the extent possible the availability of adequate data and information for the PAD and/or Management to be able to take timely decisions;

•            Be alert about new financing opportunities with portfolio clients, and if and when such opportunities are detected, in consultation with the PAD, inform the relevant Country/Sector Director. On a case-by-case basis if the regular portfolio work would allow the resource allocation, it may be possible for the POL to lead a new operation with portfolio clients in cooperation with Sector teams;

•            Undertake continuous surveillance of local economic, political, regulatory and sector environments in the country and region that could affect credit standing of the clients as well as the Bank’s internal reporting;

•            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;

•            Work jointly with the country counterpart when setting objectives and completing performance appraisals for relevant staff.

•            As a senior project team member:

•            Provide constructive portfolio monitoring advice, guidance and supervision to a designated POL(s) and more junior member(s) of the relevant project team(s).

•            On more complex projects or matters, assume leadership as may be agreed with the PAD.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge:

Qualifications and Skills:

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

•            Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA desirable.

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

•            Credit analysis skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding local and international accounting principles and practice of credit analysis.

•            Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spreadsheet packages including financial analysis and modelling modules.

•            Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes.

•            Problem solving skills and acumen.

•            Stakeholder management skills.

•            Coaching, mentoring & leadership skills.

•            Relationship management and negotiation skills.

•            Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure.

•            Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

•            Good command over the Polish language is an advantage.

Experience & Knowledge:

•            Significant relevant financial industry experience from an investment or commercial bank, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards.

•            Practical experience of participating in and leading complex transactions through the full project life cycle.

•            Relevant industry/country experience on corporate debt projects, including understanding of country/regional/sector dynamics and trends.

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).