Principal Risk Officer

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

• Its mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries, employing a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The bank focuses on sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and financial institutions, and aims to support sustainable development and economic growth in the regions it serves.

Job Overview:
The Principal Risk Officer plays a crucial role in the Risk Management division of the EBRD, which serves as the second line of defense in identifying, reporting, and mitigating risks associated with the bank's portfolio of corporate and project finance debt transactions. This position requires independent analysis and appraisal of risks in the Energy and Infrastructure sectors, ensuring compliance with the bank's sound banking mandate. The Principal Risk Officer is expected to lead and coach a team of associate risk officers and analysts, while also advising bankers and the bank's committees on risk mitigation measures and transaction structures. The role involves reviewing portfolio projects, assigning credit ratings, and communicating trends and lessons learned to management for strategic decision-making and stress-testing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Risk Officer will be responsible for establishing an independent view on projects proposed to the Operations Committee and making clear recommendations or approvals. Key duties include analyzing risks of each proposal, advising on risk mitigation measures, appraising the validity of key assumptions, ensuring compliance with risk guidelines, and exercising independent delegated authority regarding portfolio actions. The officer will also lead proactive monitoring of assigned portfolio counterparties, engage constructively with banking staff, and collaborate with other departments to ensure effective functioning. Participation in executive bank committees and contributing to various initiatives within Risk Management is also expected. The role requires mentoring junior staff and disseminating a strong credit culture within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant banking or risk management experience, with strong influencing skills to oversee transaction structuring. Experience in structuring high yield loans and familiarity with corporate and project finance is essential. A clear understanding of the Energy sector, particularly renewable energy and battery storage projects, is required, along with knowledge of other infrastructure sectors. Proven decision-making skills in credit risk environments and strong communication abilities are necessary. Candidates should demonstrate developing people management skills and proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in finance, business, economics, or equivalent on-the-job training is required for this position. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in financial principles and risk management practices, enabling the candidate to effectively analyze and mitigate risks associated with complex financial transactions.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in banking or risk management, particularly in the Energy sector. Candidates should have a proven track record in structuring financial transactions and managing credit risk in high-risk environments. Experience in leading teams and mentoring junior staff is also essential, as the Principal Risk Officer will be responsible for coaching and developing less experienced colleagues.

Languages:
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the regions in which the EBRD operates, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a regular contract with a specified end date of November 2, 202

• The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The bank values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. Due to the high volume of applications, detailed feedback will not be provided to candidates who are not shortlisted.