Principal Banker

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

• The EBRD's mission is to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The organization operates in over 30 countries and employs more than 2,000 professionals. The EBRD focuses on various sectors including banking, infrastructure, and manufacturing, and has financed thousands of projects with a total investment value exceeding EUR 150 billion since its inception.

Job Overview:
The Principal Banker position is a key role within the Manufacturing and Services team at the EBRD, which consists of over 70 professionals dedicated to serving clients both locally and internationally. The team is responsible for financing a diverse range of projects across various sectors, including chemicals, petrochemicals, metals, medical services, education, car manufacturing, and building materials. The Principal Banker will be expected to lead project teams, manage complex transactions, and contribute to the development of the Bank's business pipeline. This role requires a deep understanding of project development and implementation, as well as the ability to mentor junior staff and engage in policy dialogue with stakeholders. The Principal Banker will play a crucial role in supporting the EBRD's activities in the Manufacturing and Services sector, particularly in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Banker will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Structuring and Execution: Leading project teams in complex transactions, managing resources, overseeing due diligence processes, and ensuring compliance with the Bank's standards.
• Business Development: Engaging in marketing efforts to build market contacts, screening project proposals, and identifying viable investments.
• Policy Dialogue: Collaborating with relevant units to contribute to policy initiatives and supporting efforts to secure grants and technical cooperation funds.
• Staff Management: Recruiting, training, and mentoring junior bankers, ensuring quality project work, and fostering professional development within the team. The Principal Banker will also be responsible for maintaining high standards of integrity and ethical conduct within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Principal Banker position must possess a Bachelor's degree, with a Master's degree preferred. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are desirable. Significant experience in the financial industry, particularly in development, investment, or commercial banking, is required. Candidates should have practical experience in complex transactions throughout the project life cycle, strong quantitative skills, and the ability to interpret financial information. Proficiency in credit analysis and familiarity with local and international accounting principles are essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong stakeholder management, coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Principal Banker position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. Relevant professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are also highly regarded. Candidates should have a solid foundation in finance, economics, or a related discipline to effectively perform the duties associated with this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Principal Banker position should have significant relevant experience in the financial industry, ideally from a development, investment, or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm. Experience in managing complex transactions and a proven track record of working through the full project life cycle are essential. Familiarity with equity transactions is considered a plus, as is experience in the Manufacturing and Services sectors, particularly in the SEMED region or Sub-Saharan Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as the Principal Banker will be required to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances the ability to engage with clients and partners in the regions served by the EBRD.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract role with no specified contract length, indicating a long-term employment opportunity. The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace model, offering flexibility to employees. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The EBRD provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits and prioritizes employee wellbeing, sustainability, equality, and digital transformation in its operations.