Purpose Of Job

The Officer is primarily responsible for support services to facilitate the local delivery of ASB projects, assisting the Principal Manager in the implementation of the ASB project flow, and developing and maintaining client and consultant databases. In addition, the Officer is responsible for managing local ASB bank accounts and petty cash, facilitating payments and posting financial transactions into core ASB systems, working closely with members of the ASB Finance and Administration team in London on general matters such as payments, cost assignment and cash management. The role will also deal extensively with local clients on general financial matters related to ASB projects

Background

ASB helps small and medium-sized businesses to grow and become genuine catalysts for their local economies by providing access to local and international experts. Some clients will benefit from investment, but ASB also strives to create healthier, more innovative and successful businesses. Through its work to improve the quality and availability of local consultancy services, ASB aims to leave behind a network of trained, experienced local consultants, and a thriving community of small and medium-sized businesses willing to pay for advice.

Activities are delivered through two complementary products: Business Advisory Services, focused on narrowly-defined projects such as strategy, marketing, finance and quality management carried out by local consultants, and the transfer of international industry knowhow, which draws on the industry expertise of international advisers over a longer period to strengthen the overall management and operations of client businesses.

Each ASB project is funded by donors, including around 20 countries, the European Union and the EBRD itself. ASB clients also make a contribution to the cost, ensuring their full commitment. ASB rigorously monitors and evaluates the impact of its work. Active projects with clients are monitored at regular intervals, and one year after every project, ASB returns to the client to measure impact.

The primary objective of the Officer is to facilitate the effective management of the ASB project flow, in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures set by ASB and its donors. The Officer must ensure comprehensive and accurate system records of projects and their status, and maintain databases of clients and consultants. The Officer must also ensure that the financial resources of the ASB programme locally are managed in accordance with agreed parameters and procedures, liaising closely with the ASB Finance and Administration team on related matters. In addition, the Officer will also liaise extensively with local clients on matters related to payments and contracts.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Assist with the sourcing, developing and monitoring of ASB projects, drafting proposals and completion/evaluation reports, to ensure projects are properly implemented and documented.
• Evaluate potential projects against necessary selection criteria in order to put forward project proposals for consideration by ASB management ensuring that companies and consultants meet all necessary selection criteria.
• Develop and maintain the ASB local client and consultant databases to ensure accurate record-keeping and donor reporting.
• Organise visibility and market development activities, as directed by the Principal Manager, to help ASB in its mission to support local companies and consultants.
• Manage communication coverage of the various events and relevant actions started by the programme.
• Monitor use of local ASB bank accounts to ensure that finances are used in accordance with relevant agreements, rules and procedures.
• Prepare and submit for review to ASB London accurate and timely Monthly Financial Reports (MFRs), as part of the process by which spending by local ASB offices is reflected in core EBRD systems.
• Keep adequate and well-organised documentation in support of all local payments, and facilitate VAT recovery according to local mechanisms, in line with EBRD’s duties for prudent management of donor funds.
• Receive and review invoices from consultants, and coordinate their timely submission to EBRD in London, so that service providers are paid on time and on completion of agreed deliverables.
• Conduct other ad hoc financial and administrative tasks as defined by management to ensure team’s objectives are met.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Education/Professional qualifications

Relevant degree or higher diploma

Knowledge and Experience

• • Relevant experience in an administrative capacity, preferably gained from a large commercial organisation, financial institution or donor organisation.
  • Relevant experience in terms of basic finance or accounting.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrable skills related to quantitative and numerical record-keeping and basic analysis.
• Experience with the SAP accounting system preferable, as well as the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Substantial mastering of social media advertising and digital communication tools.
• Ability to operate sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relations with internal and external stakeholders clients and colleagues, especially ASB colleagues in 25 countries and other EBRD departments.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to work to and meet tight deadlines.
• Business / financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding of local accounting principles and practice of company financial analysis

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.