Associate, Advice for Small Businesses Programme

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 to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. 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 Associate will play a pivotal role in the EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses Programme, which aims to provide advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their business capabilities and investment readiness. The Associate will work under the guidance of the Principal Manager, leading various activities related to project initiation, structuring, execution, and monitoring. This position requires proactive engagement in business development, ensuring compliance with project requirements, and conducting due diligence to align with the strategic directions of the SME Finance and Development group. The Associate will focus on high-growth potential clients, identifying their business needs and advising them on potential financing options. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with partner banks and stakeholders to design and implement initiatives that support the EBRD’s strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate will be responsible for leading the delivery of advisory services under the Advice for Small Businesses Programme. This includes performing all activities in alignment with the Bank’s policies, donor requirements, and compliance standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Origination and conception of advisory activities, ensuring they meet the needs of high-growth SMEs.
• Liaising with banking colleagues to structure suitable advisory support.
• Analyzing clients’ financials and growth prospects to provide impactful advisory support.
• Engaging with external stakeholders to explore SME development needs and leading relevant initiatives.
• Monitoring portfolio companies’ performance and contributing to banking project approval documents.
• Preparing internal and donor reports to inform stakeholders about the progress of activities and funding utilization.
• Implementing marketing and visibility activities to promote the Advice for Small Businesses Programme.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field, along with strong business and financial analytical skills. The ability to interpret financial accounts and conduct thorough analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong project management and organizational skills, as well as effective communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities. Experience in writing advisory project proposals and reports is desirable. Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language is essential. Candidates should also be computer literate, with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business, Economics, or Finance is required. Equivalent work experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a solid understanding of local accounting principles and financial analysis techniques.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, preferably in commercial management consultancy, development institutions, or financial institutions. Candidates should have a good understanding of EBRD’s strategic SME priority areas, including green economy, economic inclusion, sustainable supply chains, and digitalization. Experience working with stakeholders in the SME sector is essential, along with knowledge of the local business environment and consultancy market.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Proficiency in the local language of operations is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract with a duration of 12 months. The role is based in Amman, Jordan, and may require travel within the country and internationally. 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 wellbeing, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.