Back Associate FI Donor Programmes

Requisition ID 35079 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Banking Sectors Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 16/10/2024

Purpose of Job

The Associate will support the deployment and implementation of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD Plus) financial guarantee instruments with Financial Institutions Business Group’s (FIBG) partner financial institutions (PFI) in the designated EBRD Countries of Operation by developing relevant internal framework for programme implementation, compliance, and monitoring, and supporting guarantee implementation as well as the associated technical co-operation (TC) programme. The Associate will also contribute to the implementation of other designated donor-supported programmes and FIDP operations, particularly involving guarantees.

The FIDP is a proactive unit within the FIBG responsible for daily administration and overall management of technical co-operation (TC) and co-investment grants, and other associated activities. The Team ensures that grants are mobilised, committed, deployed and reported upon in an efficient, accurate and transparent manner, applying the highest professional standards, given the fiduciary duty that the Bank assumes vis-à-vis Donors funds.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The Associate will work within the FIDP team, under the supervision of the FIDP Product Lead, in close coordination with the designated EFSD Plus Programme Operation Leader (OL) and relevant EBRD units supporting the deployment of the EFSD Plus financial instruments for financial institutions in a number of the EBRD Countries of Operations. The Associate will support the roll out of the financial and advisory products under EFSD Plus in the financial sector, ensuring comprehensive integration of programme implementation in the FIDP systems and processes.

The Associate will ensure that all tasks are completed within the specified timeframes, to a high standard and in line with the policies, procedures and objectives of EBRD. The responsibilities will primarily cover the below.

1. Programme structuring, development and implementation:
   • Assist Programme OL in establishing the appropriate business process flow necessary for operationalisation of the programme setting out guidelines and developing an operations manual for FI bankers and borrowers in relation to structuring, implementation, monitoring and reporting of projects under the Programme.
   • Support Programme OL in setting up a dedicated programme database containing EFSD Plus related information for internal guidance and keep it updated.
   • Proactively engage in developing IT tools, forms and templates to facilitate successful implementation of the Programme as necessary.
   • Co-lead, jointly with the Programme OL, the structuring, launch and implementation of the related TC project.
   • Develop templates, guidelines and other support documents as needed, which will enable efficient delivery of Programme and support marketing efforts.
     1. Pipeline management and monitoring
        • Support Programme OL with ensuring consistency of pipeline management with the conditions and availability under the Programme (to determine eligibility of potential projects) within the contracted guarantee and advisory service budgets.
        • Assist the Programme OL and project leaders with review of internal and external approval and legal documents, including incorporation of relevant EU pass-through provisions in agreements.
        • Assist Programme OL with liaising with the EU alongside the Donor Partnerships department on any amendments or waivers to the relevant legal agreements and programme development as necessary.
        • Ensure timely and accurate monitoring and reporting processes under EFSD Plus. Coordinate with participating financial institutions (PFIs), project consultants, internal teams as needed to ensure efficient and high-quality administration of guarantee claims and payments, monitoring and reporting.
          1. Coordination, reporting and visibility:
             • Support Programme OL with compliance of EBRD’s contractual obligations to the EC including with drafting of quarterly and annual reports to the EC and presentation of progress results internally and externally,
             • Co-ordinate EU donor compliance issues alongside EBRD’s Donor Partnerships department, working in close coordination with the FI banking team (including the Invest EU programme implementation) and the TC project consultant.
               • Ensure coordination with other relevant teams for Programme implementation, monitoring, and reporting (Office of the General Counsel, Risk, Financial Control, etc.) and take part in designing appropriate processes, systems and documentation.
               • Contribute to a wider FIBG effort to operationalise and effectively implement unfunded guarantee programmes working in close coordination with the guarantees subject matter experts in FIDP.
               • Track and support visibility activities, ensuring coordination with the EC takes place as required under the legal agreements.
               • Depending on the pace of the Programme implementation and workload, the Associate may be requested to support other donor-funded programmes of FIBG and contribute to FIDP objectives.

                 Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

                 • Relevant and substantive experience in an international financial institution or donor organisation, on grant fund-raising, product structuring, implementation, and monitoring
                 • Expertise and/or experience of the financial sector, working with banks and/or non-bank financial institutions, or on financial sector’s infrastructure or legal and regulatory frameworks
                 • Good knowledge about the EBRD, its business model and processes, as well as investment risk management approaches and practices, is an advantage.
                 • Good relevant undergraduate degree at a minimum, from a leading university in the country of education;
                 • Excellent written (report drafting, correspondence) and verbal communication skills
                 • Advanced Excel skills
                 • Excellent interpersonal (especially collaborative) skills
                 • Ability to handle complex matters and find pragmatic solutions to issues
                 • Proven, strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data
                 • Strong computer literacy
                 • Strong attention to detail, project and time management and workload prioritisation skills

                   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).