Principal, Digital Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 with the mission to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to fostering sustainable development. The organization focuses on various sectors, including banking, infrastructure, and energy, and aims to create a positive impact on the economies and communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Digital Specialist plays a crucial role in driving and supporting the digital agenda for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the EBRD. This position is responsible for designing and implementing innovative advisory programs and solutions that provide tailored business and digital advisory services as part of the EBRD's SME offerings. The Digital Specialist will collaborate closely with various teams within the SME Finance and Development business group, as well as other departments across the EBRD, to integrate digital components into the SME offerings, develop new digital initiatives, and enhance the team's capacity to respond to emerging digital trends. The role will initially focus on two regions: Central and Southeast Europe (CSEE) and the Eastern Partnership & Turkey, ensuring that the digital needs of SMEs in these areas are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, Digital Specialist will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of SME digital programs and solutions that provide bespoke digital advisory services. This includes creating tailored advisory projects, conducting training sessions, and organizing ecosystem support activities and awareness-raising initiatives in EBRD's Countries of Operations (COO). The Specialist will leverage the EBRD's extensive network of partnerships and market knowledge to identify new opportunities for advancing the SME digital agenda, promoting innovative and scalable digital initiatives that enhance SME access to finance and build necessary skills and capacities. The role involves following trends in new technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, assessing their applicability for SME finance and development, and identifying fintech solutions to improve SME access to finance. The Specialist will also develop digital projects focused on process automation, digital payments, cloud solutions, and data analytics tailored to the needs of SMEs. Advocacy for policy enhancements that support SME digital transformation and access to finance is also a key responsibility. The Specialist will develop metrics and frameworks to track the impact of digital transformation initiatives on SME performance and will participate as a team member in banking projects to drive impactful outcomes for EBRD clients. Additionally, the role includes developing knowledge-sharing resources and products to disseminate best practices on digital initiatives both internally and externally, tracking key performance indicators for programs involving digital solutions, and coordinating with relevant teams within the EBRD to leverage additional resources and expertise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Digital Technologies, Business, Finance, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. Extensive experience in digitalization, digital transformation, or technology-driven project implementation is essential, ideally with a focus on SME development. A deep understanding of the SME and corporate sectors, along with a proven track record of implementing digital solutions and assessing their impact at the enterprise or ecosystem level, is required. Candidates should have excellent project management skills, a strong capability to design and manage SME development programs, and the ability to analyze, monitor, and report on the effectiveness of advisory activities. Proven experience in building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, particularly financial institutions and corporates, is crucial. Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, along with excellent interpersonal and collaboration abilities, are necessary for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Digital Technologies, Business, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant area is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in digital transformation and SME development.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in the field of digitalization and digital transformation, particularly in relation to SMEs. This includes a strong background in technology-driven project implementation, with a focus on developing and delivering impactful digital solutions. Experience in managing projects that involve cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement is also important, as is a track record of successfully implementing digital initiatives that enhance SME access to finance.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the EBRD's countries of operations would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

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 for approximately 50% of their working time. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. The EBRD aims to create an inclusive workplace that fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an attractive employer for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the regions served.