Purpose of Job

The Managing Director (MD) for Southern & Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) Region is responsible for the Bank’s overall activities and presence in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, West Bank/Gaza, Morocco Tunisia and soon to be in Iraq. This comprises formulating and delivering the Bank’s approach and business plan as well as country strategies for the region, managing, motivating and leading a large team, business development and delivery, broad-based policy dialogue, and coordination of the Bank’s activities with IFIs, EU, bilateral institutions and other stakeholders.

Based in the Cairo Resident Office (RO), the MD leads one of the EBRD’s five business groups, and oversees the Bank’s comprehensive activities across the SEMED region.

Working with fellow MDs across the Bank, she/he is a key contributor to the design and implementation of the Bank’s overall mandate, is involved in the formulation of the Bank’s strategy as well as its Transformation agenda, while ensuring the efficient use of resources.

The appointment to this position is envisaged to be for an initial duration of 4 years, in line with the Bank’s practice for appointments to the Senior Leadership Group (SLG).

Facts/Scale

Since initiating operations in the SEMED region in 2012, EBRD has signed more than 400 projects with a cumulative investment value of EUR 22.4 billion across all sectors in which the Bank operates. In 2023, the SEMED Business Group delivered 15% of the Bank’s annual business volume and 10% of the Bank’s total number of projects signed. As at end June 2024, the SEMED Business Group’s current portfolio is EUR 9.1 billion and operating assets amount to EUR 6.2 billion. The ambition for 2024 is to deliver EUR 2.2 billion worth of investments.

The overall headcount based in the countries of the SEMED Business Group is 190. Under the direct responsibility of the MD are currently 83 staff. There are 107 other staff based in the ROs and Satellite Offices (from sector teams and non-banking units) who report to the country heads in the matrix.

Accounabilities & Responsibilities

• Define, in consultation with external and internal stakeholders, and in agreement with other Banking and non-Banking teams and the Bank’s executive management, the strategic direction of the Bank with respect to investment operations and policy reform engagement in the countries of the SEMED region.
• Accountable for the delivery of strategy, encompassing all relevant business areas of the SEMED region: prioritise, coordinate and manage activities across the Business Group according to respective country strategies, monitoring accomplishments and outcomes, and advising the relevant teams, the VP, Banking and the Bank’s executive management on key strategic matters and developments. Engage with Board members to ensure their continued understanding and support for the Bank’s activities in the SEMED region.
• Accountable for the delivery of the Business Group’s objectives, including origination, execution and implementation of investment projects as well as policy reform and business advisory operations in the countries and in all sectors, in line with the agreed country strategies, annual business plan and in compliance with the Bank’s integrity procedures, operational principles and transition mandate. The MD SEMED will have direct responsibility for the management of the business in Egypt.
• Accountable for the successful start of the Bank’s operations in Iraq. The MD will work closely with the future Head of Iraq and will support them in ensuring the efficient set up on the ground in order to ensure the Bank can start delivering in the country.
• Lead policy reform dialogue with governments and other stakeholders, maintaining close engagement and coordinated planning and delivery with the Policy and Partnerships Vice-Presidency on the EBRD’s stepped up engagement in policy reform.
• Represent the Bank and support the Heads of Office, Sector Teams, other non-Banking teams as well as the Bank’s executive management in high-level business and institutional relationships with the business community, political leaders at central and local levels as well as senior officials of multilateral institutions and other public or private bodies.
• Work closely with sector MDs and the Portfolio Business Group to oversee the existing portfolio of loans and investments with a view to building and protecting revenue-earning assets. Guarantee and oversee the business group’s full compliance with the Bank’s integrity procedures and operational risk management.
• As a member of EBRD’s senior management team, the MD will promote, contribute to and implement the Transformation Agenda to improve further the Bank’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Promote product innovation and development across teams to anticipate/respond to market and transition requirements.
• Accountable for the effective and cohesive overall integration and management of the staff based in SEMED including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and professional development and ensure the team observes the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. This involves coordinating and facilitating in a collegial manner with the sector and non-Banking directors all activities in order to ensure optimal use of the Bank’s resources and a joined-up approach amongst staff aimed at delivering common objectives set in country strategies. Lead, guide and coach direct reports and take primary responsibility for developing motivation and professionalism across the Business Group.
• Accountable for the effective management of all offices in the Group, of the budget and other non-staff resources in coordination with relevant business units at HQ to ensure an efficient and optimum utilisation of resources in strict compliance with the rules and procedures of the Bank, such as corporate procurement, budget processes, travel and expenses policy, the Staff Handbook and the Resident Offices’ online manual.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive relevant international experience, preferably in a major merchant/investment, commercial or development bank, with significant exposure to the EBRD region.
• High level banking skills, experience and expertise in developing, structuring, negotiating and monitoring investment transactions including equity, loans and commercial co-financing.
• Experience in institutional and policy dialogues at high level with governments, corporations, civil society and other internal and external stakeholders including international financial institutions/EU.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives with respect to areas/countries relevant to the role.
• Experience and record of accomplishments in negotiating and managing complex multi-party operations.
• Extensive experience in leading, motivating and developing a large team, with a proven record of accomplishment in performance management and demonstrating behaviours required for the role.
• Relevant academic background at post-graduate level or equivalent combination of academic and professional qualifications
• Languages skills: fluent English is essential and fluent French is highly desirable; knowledge of Arabic would be beneficial but is not essential.

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).