Back Associate Manager, DCF

Requisition ID 31885 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Policy and Partnerships Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 06/10/2022

Purpose of Job

EBRD’s business model is increasingly dependent on access to donor funds and donor expertise, with almost half (49%) of the Bank’s investment operations now dependent on access to such resources. Financial resources from donors for grants and financial instruments help the Bank to deliver on its transition mandate. Donor Co-Financing works as a catalyst, working closely with other departments in the Bank, to ensure that donor priorities are well understood in the Bank and that the Bank’s priorities are well understood by donors.

The Associate Manager will work in the EU team, responsible for managing EU funds in the Western Balkans and overseeing the activities of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) with the EC, bilateral donors, IFIs and the beneficiary countries. This includes managing the financial resources of the European Western Balkans Joint Fund, a multi donor fund and the main source of grant funding under the WBIF. To date, grants exceeding EUR 2 billion have been approved, approximately half of which will be implemented by the EBRD and the remainder by other eligible IFIs.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The post holder will take responsibility for the following tasks:

• Participate and represent the Bank in WBIF meetings relevant to the management of the multi-donor fund and discussion of funding proposals, together with other colleagues;
• Provide quality advice to operational teams in respect of the EBRD’s funding proposals throughout the WBIF review process including the finalisation of documentation for consideration and approval by the WBIF governance bodies;
• Regularly liaise with the European Commission, bilateral donors and other IFIs to coordinate the financial flows to and from the multi-donor fund under WBIF including donor contributions, disbursements to eligible IFIs, collation of financial forecasts, etc.
• Day to day financial management of a major and growing multi-donor fund under the Western Balkan Investment Framework (WBIF), providing financial, legal and budgetary oversight.
• Manage a portfolio of EU bilateral funds for the Western Balkans and for each fund provide financial, legal and budgetary oversight. Take initiative in addressing and resolving donor-related issues in conjunction with internal teams;
• Manage effective relations with donors, external donor agencies, other International Financial Institutions, or other relevant stakeholders, as well as internally across several departments
• Manage and / or support the negotiations of relevant donor contribution / replenishment / implementation (including financing agreement) / grant agreements with internal teams
• Proactively engage with operational teams to ensure the timely delivery of qualitative donor reports on the progress and completion of grant implementation in accordance with applicable rules
• Advise operational teams on the availability of donor funds, internal policies affecting the use of donor funds, internal procedures and timing to request donor funds.

  Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

  • Masters degree in economics, finance and/ or equivalent;
  • Very good understanding of banking and accounting, including the types of activities and instruments in which the Bank engages;
  • Excellent numerical and analytical skills;
  • Good understanding of the global aid architecture and other developmental assistance;
  • Wide understanding of types of grant support both within and outside the EBRD;
  • Demonstrable experience in managing donor funds or similar work in a multilateral / international context;
  • Good negotiating and problem-solving skills;
  • Good interpersonal skills especially as the position deals with several external stakeholders (EC, donors and IFIs);
  • Good organisational and coordination skills and ability to work on own initiative, as well as in teams;
  • Good verbal and written communication skills;
  • Fluent English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in other languages would be an advantage.

    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.