Purpose of Job

We are looking for Principal Manager in the Banking Department, Sustainable Infrastructure Group Grant Unit (SI3P Grant Unit) The SI3P Grant Unit is responsible for supporting the SIG’s grant business of around EUR 250 million per year using both co-investment grants and technical assistance projects. Internally processing up to 200 donor funded projects per year for approval. The Principal Manager is responsible for the delivery of TC and non-TC grant instruments of Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) sector clients across the EBRD countries of operations, including planning, design, mobilisation of funds, active guidance to operations teams on their implementation and management, TC results and reporting. In fulfilling these objectives, the Principal Manager liaises with the EBRD internal and external stakeholders. The Principal Manager ensures appropriate supervision, training and development of their direct reports including managing workloads, to ensure the Group is effective in meeting the needs of SIG and underlying projects. Two positions are currently recruited for, one with focus on coordinating activities in relation to guarantees and a second focusing on the management of SIG’s grant business in the Western Balkans, Central Europe and Baltic states.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Oversee the pipeline management process for SIG, coordinate and support the relevant SIG Grant Coordinator with their funding allocation activities. Develop and maintain a grant catalogue to monitor and allocate funding available to SIG. Advise project teams on the most appropriate design for grants/TCs in both investment operations and non-transactional projects
• Source and secure grant funding in coordination with Head, SIG Grant Unit & DCF and ensure the successful preparation and implementation of contribution agreements between the Bank and donors
• Prepare or review donor fiches for approval taking into account donor and project priorities. Advise OL in design and structuring the funding requests ensuring alignment with EBRD internal policies as well as country/regional objectives such as climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals etc
• Negotiate programme related contribution agreements alongside the Donor Partnership with donors.
• Oversee preparation of donor reports and ensure that all reporting and any required information is provided to the donors as well as appropriate visibility is ensured to the donor under grant funded projects
• Participate in Steering Committee meetings for project implementation, EU and other donors Audits and Monitoring visits as appropriate
• Ensure the successful implementation grants and donor/fund relationships (if required), as designated by management
• Oversee SIG grant portfolio management process together with the relevant Grant Coordinators and ensure that a) all issues communicated to management as well as DCF, b) ensures that all administrative activities have performed by the SIG Grant unit in line with the relevant procedures
• Oversee processes ensuring that all documentation (including legal documentation such as Loan Agreements/Grant Agreements/Consultancy contracts) are in compliance with donor requirements
• Manage data collation process on signings, portfolio data and achievements of frameworks/initiatives and report as required
• Ensure efficient management of all relevant databases required for grant management are maintained
• Provide advice to Operation Leaders on ad-hoc issues arising during implementation
• Supervise designated staff (if required): Delegate project and other TC tasks to staff, oversee quality and timeliness of implementation; Provide guidance, support and mentorship to contribute to professional growth of staff members;Implement line manager’s functions, such as approvals, performance appraisals, and other functions; Provide guidance and support to other team members as required and where applicable. Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of the Team including recruitment, performance management, coaching and development. Where matrix reporting is in place, work jointly with the country counterpart when setting objectives and completing performance appraisals for relevant staff. Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.
• Ensure appropriate assistance and support to Management on TC-related subjects not covered above: Deputise for Head of Grants Unit as required; Contribute to the work on general TC issues as required such as review of periodic strategic documents; Work closely with Portfolio team to ensure consistency of data / regular updates are reconciled; Manage contributions to Bank reports such as Annual Report, Donor Report, periodic reports required by management

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience in an international financial institution or donor organisation, in project management role or similar
• Good understanding of Banking and use of guarantees in blended finance products;
• Ability to understand financial modelling and risk mitigation;
• Relevant masters degree
• Proven project management skills including ability to manage a project team throughout a project cycle, sound decision making skills and problem resolution ensuring adherence to established procedures for project approvals and management;
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively (informing, presenting, advising, negotiating) at different levels within the organisation as well as with external stakeholders;
• Effective people management skills and leadership acumen;
• Previous experience of structuring and managing TC / donor funds (or similar) and projects
• Excellent written (report writing, correspondence) and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic skills
• Proven, strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data
• Computer literate
• Attention to detail

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.