Principal Risk Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution founded in 1991 to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, and has a mission to foster the transition to open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to sustainability, equality, and digital transformation. The EBRD values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all qualified candidates are treated with respect and given equal opportunities regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Principal Risk Officer plays a crucial role in the Risk Management division of the EBRD, focusing on the independent analysis and appraisal of risks associated with the Bank's corporate and project finance debt transactions. This position requires the officer to identify necessary due diligence, recommend risk mitigation measures, and advise on transaction structures, including security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, covenants, and pricing. The Principal Risk Officer is responsible for reviewing portfolio projects, assigning credit ratings, and communicating trends and lessons learned to management and peers. This role also involves leading and coaching Associate Risk Officers and junior bankers, ensuring compliance with the Bank's sound banking mandate, and contributing to strategic decision-making and stress-testing processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Risk Officer will independently analyze and appraise project proposals, providing unbiased recommendations to the Operations Committee and Small Business Investment Committee. Key responsibilities include assessing risks, advising on mitigation measures, ensuring compliance with risk guidelines, and assigning appropriate credit ratings. The officer will lead proactive monitoring of assigned portfolio counterparties, engage with Banking staff to ensure effective front-line monitoring, and collaborate with various departments to facilitate cross-functional operations. Additionally, the Principal Risk Officer will participate in executive Bank committees, contribute to risk management initiatives, and mentor junior staff, fostering a strong credit culture within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant banking or credit risk management experience, with strong influencing skills to oversee transaction structuring. Experience in structuring high-yield loans and familiarity with corporate sectors such as Food & Agribusiness, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and Technology is essential. Knowledge of corporate sector risks in regions like SEMED and Turkey is advantageous. The ideal candidate should demonstrate decision-making capacity in high-risk environments, possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English, and have advanced Excel knowledge. Developing people management skills for mentoring junior staff is also required.

Educational Background:
A relevant 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, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires substantial experience in banking or credit risk management, particularly in corporate and project finance. Candidates should have a proven track record of structuring transactions and managing risks in high-stakes environments. Experience in leading teams and mentoring junior staff is also essential, as the Principal Risk Officer will be responsible for guiding less experienced colleagues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and spoken communication skills. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract role with a contract length that is not specified. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Due to the high volume of applications, the EBRD may not provide detailed feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.