Principal Banker

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international financial institution that was 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 the countries where it invests. The organization operates in over 30 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. With a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees, the EBRD is committed to supporting sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the regions it serves. The bank focuses on various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and financial institutions, and aims to create a positive impact through its investments and projects.

Job Overview:
The Principal Banker position is a senior role that encompasses a wide range of responsibilities related to project development and implementation. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of project origination, structuring, execution, implementation, and monitoring, specifically focusing on Sustainable Infrastructure projects within Nigeria and potentially other sub-Saharan African countries. This role requires a strong understanding of investment instruments offered by the Bank and the ability to lead project teams effectively. The Principal Banker will also engage in business development, client management, and policy dialogue, contributing to the Bank's mandate in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The role demands a high level of collaboration with international teams and the ability to mentor junior staff while ensuring the successful delivery of projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Structuring and Execution: As a senior project team member, the Principal Banker will work on complex transactions, contributing to project structuring and execution. Responsibilities include leading negotiations, managing project teams, overseeing due diligence processes, and ensuring compliance with the Bank's standards.
• Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting: The Principal Banker will monitor projects, provide guidance to junior team members, and manage client relationships. They will ensure high-quality reporting and timely resolution of any issues that arise during project implementation.
• Policy Dialogue: The role involves contributing to policy dialogue initiatives, supporting efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds, and collaborating with relevant units within the Bank.
• Business Development: The Principal Banker will assist in marketing and business development efforts, screening project proposals, and identifying sound investments that align with the Bank's mandate.
• Staff Management: The Principal Banker will be responsible for recruiting, training, and mentoring junior bankers, ensuring quality project work and effective workload distribution within the team. They will also champion the Bank's behavioral competencies and corporate behaviors, fostering a high standard of integrity and ethical conduct.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should 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 and numerical skills are essential, along with the ability to interpret financial information and design financial models. The candidate should have excellent stakeholder management, coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills, as well as strong relationship management and negotiation abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis tools is required, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, and knowledge of the local language is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex financial concepts. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are also highly regarded and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Significant relevant experience in the financial industry is required, ideally from a development finance institution, investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm that operates to international standards. Candidates should have practical experience in leading complex transactions throughout the entire project life cycle, with a focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors, particularly in Nigeria. Strong experience in project finance and climate finance is essential, along with a deep understanding of country and regional dynamics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the role involves collaboration with international teams and requires excellent communication skills. A good command of the local language is considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a regular contract type. The contract length is not specified, but the posting end date for applications is set for April 29, 202

• The EBRD encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries, promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. The organization offers a hybrid work environment that emphasizes flexibility and employee well-being, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.