Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 199

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The organization operates in over 30 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to support economic development and reform. The EBRD is committed to sustainable development and aims to create a positive impact on the regions it serves, focusing on areas such as environmental sustainability, gender equality, and digital transformation.

Job Overview:
The Associate position is a critical role within the Operations & Service Management division of the EBRD. The individual in this role will be responsible for executing complex operational tasks that interface directly with various banking functions, including origination, portfolio management, procurement, and treasury teams. The Associate will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) across the product range managed by the team, contributing to the development of procedural and control requirements while also mentoring and training junior team members. The core responsibilities include managing the payee onboarding journey and ensuring the timely funding and execution of the Bank's payments in global markets. This role requires a proactive approach to continuous improvement, with a focus on enhancing operational processes and ensuring compliance with established standards and regulations. The Associate will also engage with various internal and external stakeholders to facilitate smooth transaction settlements and mitigate risks throughout the payment lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate include executing complex operational processes across middle and back office support functions, ensuring adherence to operational metrics such as timeliness, quality, and customer satisfaction. The Associate will respond to operational queries promptly, communicate with relevant departments regarding projects, and provide support and training to team members. Additionally, the Associate will provide SME knowledge across EBRD Banking products, contribute to the development of a procedure/process library, and help drive improvements in the operational control environment. The role involves training newly hired colleagues, developing expertise in products and processes, and leading interdepartmental projects aimed at enhancing cooperation and harmonization of internal policies. The Associate will also support the identification and implementation of efficiency improvements and work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve operational outcomes that meet established service levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate position must possess a university degree or equivalent work experience. A strong understanding of treasury, banking, and other products transacted by EBRD is essential, as is the ability to dissect complex operational challenges. Experience with SAP, Swift, BACS, and Summit systems is advantageous. The ideal candidate will have a strong customer service orientation, be a team player with attention to detail, and possess strong analytical skills. Experience in building operational procedures and a background in continuous improvement techniques are beneficial. Candidates should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with knowledge of an additional language considered a plus. The ability to communicate complex financial and risk concepts to senior management is crucial, as is the capability to advise and influence peers across the organization.

Educational Background:
A university degree in finance, business administration, economics, or a related field is required for the Associate position. Candidates with equivalent work experience in relevant fields may also be considered. A strong academic background that demonstrates analytical and problem-solving skills will be advantageous.

Experience:
The Associate position requires candidates to have relevant experience in banking operations, treasury functions, or related fields. Experience in a role that involves operational metrics management and continuous improvement initiatives is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing complex operational tasks and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for interacting with various stakeholders. Knowledge of an additional language is considered beneficial and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of clients and colleagues.

Additional Notes:
The position is a regular contract with a specified contract length. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The EBRD is committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.