Principal, Non-Financial Services Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 199

• Its mission is to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The bank 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 Principal, Non-Financial Services Specialist plays a crucial role in the SME Finance & Development Group at the EBRD. This position is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and implementing innovative non-financial services (NFS) solutions that enhance access to business skills and knowledge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EBRD's countries of operation. The role involves collaborating with partner financial institutions (PFIs) to provide value-added solutions that facilitate outreach and engagement with target sectors and SME beneficiaries. The Principal will work closely with various teams within the bank, particularly the SME Finance & Development team and the Financial Institutions team, to ensure that NFS strategies align with commercial objectives while addressing the specific needs of diverse demographics and business segments. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation and expansion of NFS offerings based on market trends and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal will support the development and implementation of NFS strategies and solutions tailored for partner financial institutions and SME beneficiaries. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing scalable and sustainable NFS solutions with a focus on digital delivery that align with PFIs' commercial objectives.
• Identifying and innovating NFS offerings based on emerging needs of PFIs and SMEs, as well as market demands.
• Leveraging EBRD's network of partnerships to advance NFS initiatives that enhance SME access to finance.
• Providing technical guidance and training to PFIs on best practices for NFS implementation.
• Preparing assessments and impact reports on NFS interventions for stakeholders, highlighting successes and lessons learned.
• Participating in banking projects to drive impactful outcomes for clients.
• Developing knowledge-sharing resources to disseminate best practices on NFS.
• Tracking key performance indicators for NFS programs and ensuring implementation teams meet targets.
• Coordinating with relevant teams within EBRD to leverage additional resources and expertise for NFS delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree or equivalent experience in relevant areas is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of the EBRD's mandate and a passion for private sector development. Excellent project management and organizational skills are essential, along with strong problem-solving abilities and creative thinking.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance, or Economics. A Master's degree or equivalent experience is highly desirable, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in non-financial services and their implementation in financial institutions.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience with a proven track record in developing and implementing non-financial services strategies and programs for financial institutions, particularly in emerging and developed markets. Candidates should have experience in building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, especially financial institutions, to advance scalable NFS initiatives. Experience in providing technical guidance and training to financial institutions on NFS implementation is also essential.

Languages:
Strong written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, as the role involves preparing and delivering assessments, proposals, and impact reports to various stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the EBRD's countries of operation.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting for 2 years. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The bank 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.