Purpose of Job

The Principal Manager (PM) is responsible for delivery of Advice for Small Businesses (ASB) activities in the country, including developing realistic and compelling annual business plans and leading the local team to implement them in line with the EBRD’s strategic priorities for SME development in the country. The PM takes responsibility for overseeing and managing the conception, implementation, completion and evaluation of advisory activities aligned with EBRD investment priorities, managing the project portfolio, driving the design and implementation of strategic initiatives such as non-financial services for financial industry counterparts, supply chain advisory and start-up support as well as visibility activities, alongside regular management of the finance and administration of the local Programme.

The Principal Manager should maintain open and constructive relations both internally within the EBRD Resident Office and HQ and externally with the local business community, financial market players, donors and key private sector and government stakeholders. Importantly, the Principal Manager will personally champion, and role model the Bank’s ethics culture by ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the team’s performance.

Background

The EBRD supports SMEs in growing their businesses by providing access to finance and know-how. The SME Finance and Development Group (SME F&D) leads and coordinates the Bank’s SME offer as part of the EBRD Client Services Group. The SME offer comprises an integrated toolbox of a wide range of instruments and innovative products available to SMEs across three main impact pillars:

• Pillar I: Wide outreach to SMEs via advisory services coupled with intermediated SME finance products;
• Pillar II: Nourishing champions via financial and non-financial engagement with high growth potential SMEs; and
• Pillar III: engaging in SME-conducive eco-system improvements via policy dialogue.

Advice for Small Businesses is delivered mainly through complementary advisory products: e.g. tailor made advisory support (i.e. local consultancy, and industry expertise provided by international advisers) as well as trainings/workshops and other knowledge products. Access to advice is provided directly to clients, via EBRD’s partner banks, as well as in cooperation with relevant partner organisations.

Each ASB activity is co-funded by donors through bilateral or multi-donor accounts, including around 20 countries, the European Union, and the EBRD itself. SME clients also make a contribution to the cost, ensuring their full commitment. EBRD rigorously monitors the overall project cycle from selection, conception, implementation, completion to evaluation of the projects.

The Principal Manager is responsible for the delivery of ASB operation and leadership of the local team. The PM ensures that all ASB operations are conducted in accordance with the highest quality standards and ASB internal control framework. The Principal Manager reports to the Regional Associate Director.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Associate Director, the Principal Manager will lead the delivery of instruments, activities and any other delegated tasks under the Advice for Small Businesses Programme in line with strategic priorities of the Bank and the SME Finance and Development Business Group, and in coordination with relevant teams (e.g. Financial Institutions, Corporate sector, Policy teams).

1. Structuring and Execution

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the ASB annual operational plan including the objectives of EBRD’s SME offer for the country and setting operational targets, in close collaboration with the Regional Associate Director.
• Conceptualise and lead the implementation of business development activities, in collaboration with banking colleagues in view of increasing the outreach to quality clients and generating bankable project pipeline.
• Conceptualise and lead the implementation of innovation solutions and products for SME sub-segments, in close coordination with relevant SME F&D HQ teams.
• Identify and pursue potential clients who meet the qualifying criteria, contributing to ASB and banking business development.
• Engage with external stakeholders and partner organisations to explore SME development support needs and lead on relevant initiatives (e.g. partner financial institutions, government representatives, business associations, EBRD corporate clients other relevant entities with SME development mandate).

2. Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

• Ensure maximum synergy of advisory and banking, such as under EBRD intermediated SME finance programmes, e.g. Women in Business or Youth in Business, we well as Risk Sharing Facilities, Supply Chain Financing or other dedicated financial or non-financial initiatives.
• Lead regular portfolio assessment to generate ideas for follow up support and nourishing clients for financing, as well as for new initiatives.
• Together with the Regional Associate Director, recruit, motivate, train and develop staff within agreed policies and practices to maintain an effective workplace [Disclaimer: This job description has been formatted by AI for readability. Please verify all details with the employer before applying.]