Purpose of Job
The Principal, a Non-Financial Services Specialist is responsible for supporting the SME Finance & Development Group conceptualise, develop, and implement sophisticated and scalable NFS solutions that improve access to business skills and knowledge for SMEs in the EBRD’s countries of operation (“COOs”) The Non-Financial Services provide value-add solutions to EBRD’s Partner Financial Institutions (‘PFIs’), enabling their outreach and engagement with target sectors and SME beneficiaries, whether in conjunction with an EBRD financial product or stand alone as the PFI’s service to their SME clients.
This role interacts primarily with SME F&D team in close collaboration with the Financial Institutions (“FI”) team, engaging actively with Policy and other relevant teams across the Bank.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Support the development and implementation of NFS strategies and solutions for partner financial institutions (PFIs) and SME beneficiaries, enabling the rollout of scalable and sustainable solutions (with a particular focus on digital delivery) that align with PFI’s commercial objectives, while addressing the needs of specific demographics and business segments.
- Identify opportunities to innovate and expand NFS offerings based on emerging needs of PFIs, SME challenges and opportunities as well as market trends and demands and best practices.
- Leverage on the EBRD network of partnerships with stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, business networks, and private sector players to advance scalable NFS initiatives that enhance SME access to finance and build skills and capacity.
- Where relevant, provide technical guidance and training to PFIs on best practices for NFS implementation, to deliver high-quality NFS solutions to SMEs that are aligned with their overall commercial strategies.
- Prepare and deliver assessments and/or impact reports on the outcomes of NFS interventions to internal and external stakeholders (including donors), highlighting successes and lessons learned to guide decision-making
- Participate as a team member of banking projects to drive impactful outcomes for the clients
- Develop knowledge-sharing resources and products to disseminate both internally and externally best practices on NFS
- Track key performance indicators for programmes, frameworks, and transactions involving NFS solutions, ensuring implementation teams meet targets and providing support to address any obstacles.
- Coordinate with relevant teams within EBRD to leverage additional resources, expertise, and insights that support NFS delivery, creating inter-team partnerships that improve programme reach and effectiveness.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Education/Professional qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise is preferred.
Experience
- Relevant experience and an extensive, tangible track record in developing and implementing NFS strategies, action plans, and programmes for financial institutions (in emerging and/or developed markets), with a focus on SMEs.
- Proven track record of building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, particularly financial institutions to advance scalable NFS initiatives.
- Experience in providing technical guidance and training to financial institutions on the implementation of NFS solutions and strategies that broaden their outreach with target demographics.
Knowledge and Skills
- Deep knowledge of digital tools and platforms that can enable the EBRD and its PFIs to reach SMEs at scale with impactful NFS solutions, with a demonstrable track record of implementing these solutions in the field.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to oversee the design and programmatic delivery of impactful NFS solutions.
- Strong problem solving skills and ability to think creatively
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, and private sector players.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to prepare and deliver assessments, proposals, and impact reports, among others, to internal and external stakeholders.
General
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development
- Ability to work in teams, cross-departmental and multi-cultural environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationship and to coordinate closely with relevant teams across the bank to ensure full alignment and coordination of joint initiatives or products.
What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.
At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.
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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
- A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
- An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
- A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.
Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.
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).
