The EIB, the European Union’s bank is seeking to recruit for its EIB Global Directorate (GLO), Enlargement & Neighbourhood Department (ELAN), Western Balkans & Türkiye Division (WB&T), Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia & Türkiye Unit (A, K, NM & T) at its headquarters in Luxembourg, a Head of Unit*.

This is a full time position at grade 5/6 for which the EIB offers a permanent contract.

*internal benchmark: Unit Head Lending Operations

Panel interviews are anticipated for beginning of October 2023.

Purpose

The Head of Unit will develop the operational activities of EIB Global and the ELAN Department in the context of the Enlargement geography, notably Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Operating Network

You will report to the Head of Division, cooperate closely with the Head of ELAN3/ENL1 Unit and with other teams within the ELAN Department and EIB Global. You will contribute to the achievement of the Division business targets, provides guidance on the lending processes, and establish a network of external contacts with promoters, borrowers, other financial institutions, European Commission and EU Delegations representatives, external consultants, and business associates.
In terms of geographical coverage, the unit focuses on Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Türkiye and financial sector across the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Accountabilities

• Elaborate the strategy for EIB Global activities within the Unit under the supervision of the Head of Division.
• Elaborate the relevant input for the Corporate Operational Plan and the Department Business Plan and translate relevant EIB Global policies into specific objectives and work plans for the Unit consistently with the targets and the indications provided by the Head of Division.
• Manage the implementation of the Business Plan Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Türkiye and financial sector across the Western Balkans and Türkiye while ensuring that qualitative and quantitative objectives are achieved and competencies in the team are efficiently deployed.
• Ensure the implementation of the necessary reporting tasks, processes, procedures, methodologies, systems and working tools as well as their proper application and maintenance
• Develop and propose innovations in lending products and project design and/or develop innovative practical approaches to complex operational issues.
• Liaise and further consolidate the operational relationship with the external offices in the Western Balkans in coordination with the Belgrade Hub, notably Tirana, Skopje and any future office in the region as well as in Istanbul and Ankara in Türkiye.
• Maintain and develop Team Europe partnerships with European IFIs, DFIs and Public Institutions operating in the Western Balkans and Türkiye as well as relationships with the UN agencies active in the region.
• Coordinate the WBIF, the Türkiye Investment Platform and MADAD activities (or similar platforms) in the Enlargement region liaising with relevant external stakeholder and coordinating the operational and functional needs of the Division.
• Act as a point of contact and coordinator for the TA and Investment Grants internal requests, providing a coherent and coordinated approach for the Division.
• Coordinate the EFSD+ PIPs preparation, negotiation, and execution in collaboration with other Bank’s Services.
• Manage, motivate, guide, and develop the staff of the Unit, intervening whenever necessary in relevant execution processes in order to develop the portfolio, manage risks, achieve targeted business results and ensure a consistent application of policies. Provide guidance, support and training to own Unit and ensure that all members of the Unit have the right competencies, objectives, and motivation to produce the required results.
• Lead the appraisal process for the team, setting objectives and holding the mid-year and end-of-year appraisal meetings with staff members.
• Actively support cross-fertilisation with the other Unit of the Division, e.g., through promotion of cross-Divisional team work around common business themes and fostering of common implementation and reporting services.
• Represent EIB Global externally on lending issues and establish and develop business relations with key external parties and manage client relationships.

Qualifications

• University degree (minimum an equivalent to a Bachelor) preferably in Business Administration, Finance or Economics.
• At least 5 years of professional experience. Previous experience in the origination, appraisal, structuring, negotiation and/or monitoring of financing transactions would be an asset.
• Experience in managing and coaching people ideally in multicultural environments or international organisations (e.g., contribution to: determining team resources and skills; establishing objectives; assessing performance; delegating and supervising tasks; guiding, motivating, coaching and providing feedback) would be an advantage.
• Good knowledge of various financial structures/products and related legal aspects.
• Advanced knowledge of assessing the credit risk and producing comprehensive financial analysis for sub sovereign entities, banks and corporates would be an asset.
• Track record in terms of development of financial products consistently with the market requirement and the objectives of the Bank.
• Good understanding of local financial markets and business scenarios including the working capital and trade segment.
• Good understanding of the political scenarios and the role of the main stakeholders in the Region (including the EC).
• Good understanding of the mission and activities of EIB Global as well as the operating and political framework in which the EIB Global operates, notably Western Balkans and Türkiye.
• Excellent knowledge of English and/or French (*), with a good command of the other. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an advantage.

Competencies

Find out more about EIB core and managerial competencies here

(*) Unless stated explicitly as a required qualification, a good command of French is not a pre-requisite for hire. As both English and French are however official working languages of the EIB, proficiency in both languages is a pre-requisite for your future career development. Any language clause in your contract must be fulfilled in order for you to be eligible for a promotion (either via the annual appraisal cycle or via an internal selection process). Proficiency is understood to mean the attainment of level 5 of the Inter Institutional language courses, corresponding to B1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The Bank offers appropriate training support.

We are an equal opportunities employer, who believes that diversity is good for our people and our business. We encourage all suitably qualified and eligible candidates to apply regardless of their gender identity/expression, age, racial, ethnic and cultural background, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation/identity, disability or neurodiversity.

Applicants with specific needs are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact the EIB Recruitment team [email protected] who will ensure that your request is handled.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the Information of the EIB Group. In case of selection for the position you agree to comply with all measures (policies, controls, document classification and management) implemented by the EIB Group to prevent unauthorised disclosure of any information or any damage to the EIB Group reputation.

Deadline for applications: 31^st August 2023

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