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 countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The organization operates in over 30 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to supporting sustainable development and economic growth. The EBRD is known for its commitment to inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility, which are core values that guide its operations and interactions with stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Principal Banker is a key role within the SME Finance & Development (F&D) Group, responsible for overseeing all aspects of project development and implementation. This includes project origination, structuring, execution, and monitoring of various investment instruments offered by the Bank. The Principal Banker will serve as a senior member of project teams or as an operation leader, particularly on less complex transactions. The role requires effective leadership of project teams, supervision of junior banking staff, and contributions to business development, client management, and policy dialogue. The Principal Banker will also engage in developing specialized financing solutions for SMEs, enhancing access to finance through risk-sharing mechanisms, and supporting supply chain finance programs. This position is integral to the EBRD's mission of delivering tailored advisory services and capacity-building support to SMEs across its operational countries.

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

• Structuring and Execution: Collaborate as a senior project team member on complex transactions, lead structuring and negotiation processes, manage project teams, oversee due diligence, and ensure compliance with Bank standards.
• Portfolio Monitoring: Take responsibility for monitoring projects, managing client relationships, resolving implementation issues, and ensuring high-quality reporting.
• Policy Dialogue: Contribute to policy dialogue initiatives, support grant procurement efforts, and provide necessary documentation and information.
• Business Development: Assist in marketing efforts, develop market contacts, and screen project proposals to identify viable investments.
• Staff Management: Recruit, train, and mentor junior bankers, ensuring quality project work and effective workload distribution. Champion the Bank's behavioral competencies and uphold high standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

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 are essential, along with the ability to interpret financial information and design financial models. Candidates should have credit analysis skills, computer literacy, and excellent stakeholder management, coaching, and negotiation skills. The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines is crucial, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills in English. A good command of the local language is an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred, along with relevant professional qualifications that demonstrate expertise in financial analysis and project management.

Experience:
Significant relevant experience in the financial industry is required, ideally from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm. Candidates should have practical experience in leading complex transactions throughout the project life cycle and a strong understanding of the Nigerian and West African markets, supported by hands-on experience in the banking and financial services sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in the local language is considered an advantage, enhancing the ability to engage with local stakeholders and clients effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting three years. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with international teams, necessitating the submission of resumes in English. 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, competitive benefits, and prioritizes employee wellbeing.