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 initiatives in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs approximately 2,000 staff members. The organization is committed to sustainable development and aims to support projects that enhance the economic and social well-being of the regions it serves.

Job Overview:
The Principal Risk Officer will play a crucial role within the Country and Financial Institutions (FI) Credit Risk Management Team. This position involves independently analyzing and appraising risks associated with EBRD’s new and existing portfolio of FI debt transactions and Treasury transactions. The role requires the identification and execution of due diligence, recommending risk mitigation measures, and transaction structures. The Principal Risk Officer will also be responsible for reviewing the portfolio and proposed projects, preparing analytical data, and communicating trends to facilitate strategic decision-making. Additionally, the officer will coach and supervise Associate Risk Officers and Analysts, contributing to the development of junior bankers within the team. The position is integral to the Treasury Counterparty Risk Team, which manages credit risk for EBRD’s Treasury operations, including the approval and review of counterparty limits and transactions. The job holder will provide expert judgment on Treasury credit risk matters and engage in negotiations regarding credit terms in legal agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Risk Officer will be responsible for acting as the Primary Risk Manager for a portfolio of Treasury counterparties, including high-grade banks and derivative counterparties. Key responsibilities include monitoring and managing credit risks associated with EBRD's Treasury activities, conducting annual credit reviews, and providing timely support to Treasury stakeholders in approving transactions. The officer will negotiate credit terms in legal agreements, monitor financial market developments, and ensure compliance with risk systems. The role also involves developing and updating credit policy documents, mentoring junior team members, and participating in cross-departmental projects. The officer must analyze projects rapidly, build rapport with colleagues, and deliver information effectively to various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline such as Finance, Business, or Economics. Relevant experience in financial services, particularly in FI Credit Risk or Counterparty Credit Risk, is essential. A strong knowledge of financial and capital markets, Treasury-related products, and ISDA documentation is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to make sound credit decisions in higher-risk environments and possess advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Experience with VBA, Power BI, and Tableau is advantageous. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field. This academic foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial markets and risk management practices.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in financial services, ideally in FI Credit Risk or Counterparty Credit Risk. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing credit risks and making autonomous credit decisions, particularly in higher-risk environments. Experience in negotiating ISDA documentation and managing exposures in various jurisdictions is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role involves extensive communication with stakeholders. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the EBRD's countries of operation.

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 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.