Principal Banker

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

• Its mission is to promote the transition to market economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries across Europe, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs approximately 2,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors, including banking, infrastructure, and energy, and aims to support sustainable development and economic growth in the regions it serves.

Job Overview:
The Principal Banker role is a senior position within the Financial Institutions Middle East and Africa (MEA) team, primarily focused on operations in Côte d'Ivoire, with potential involvement in the wider region. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including project development, structuring, execution, and monitoring of investment instruments offered by the Bank. The Principal Banker will lead project teams, supervise junior staff, and engage in business development and client management. This position requires a strong understanding of financial markets and the ability to navigate complex transactions while ensuring compliance with the Bank's policies and objectives. The Principal Banker will also contribute to policy dialogue and assist in marketing efforts to build a robust deal flow.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Structuring and Execution: As a senior project team member, the Principal Banker will work closely with Operation Leaders on complex transactions, contributing to project structuring and execution. They will lead negotiations, manage project teams, oversee due diligence processes, and ensure timely completion of transactions to high standards.
• Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting: The Principal Banker will monitor projects, verify the quality of reports, manage client relationships, and address any implementation issues. They will ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and maintain effective communication with Portfolio Managers.
• Policy Dialogue: The Principal Banker will engage in policy dialogue at both project and national levels, supporting efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds.
• Business Development: The role involves assisting in marketing efforts, building market contacts, and screening project proposals to identify viable investments.
• Staff Management: The Principal Banker will recruit, train, and mentor junior bankers, ensuring quality project work and appropriate workload distribution. They will foster productive relationships within the organization and contribute to the professional development of team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in relevant fields. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are desirable. Strong quantitative skills, credit analysis capabilities, and proficiency in financial modeling are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent stakeholder management, coaching, and leadership skills, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree or equivalent experience in finance, economics, or a related field. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant relevant experience in the financial industry, ideally from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm. Practical experience in leading complex transactions throughout the project life cycle is essential, along with a solid understanding of financial sector dynamics in developing economies, particularly in the context of Côte d'Ivoire and the surrounding region.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent written and oral communication skills in both languages, as effective communication is crucial for stakeholder engagement and project management. Additional language skills may be considered a plus but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract role with a contract length that is not specified. The deadline for applications is set for April 2, 202

• The EBRD promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization offers a hybrid workplace model, emphasizing flexibility and employee well-being, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.