Principal Manager (PM)

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution that was 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 employs approximately 2,000 staff members. 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 Manager (PM) plays a crucial role in the delivery of Advice for Small Businesses (ASB) activities within Egypt. This position involves developing comprehensive annual business plans and leading a local team to implement these plans in alignment with the EBRD’s strategic priorities for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development. The PM is responsible for overseeing the conception, implementation, and evaluation of advisory activities that align with EBRD investment priorities. This includes managing a diverse project portfolio, driving strategic initiatives such as non-financial services for financial industry counterparts, and ensuring effective visibility activities. The PM must maintain constructive relationships with various stakeholders, including the local business community, financial market players, donors, and government entities. Additionally, the PM is expected to embody and promote the Bank’s ethical culture, ensuring high standards of integrity and ethical conduct within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Manager will be tasked with developing and implementing the ASB annual operational plan, which includes setting operational targets and collaborating closely with the Regional Associate Director. Responsibilities also include contributing to business development activities aimed at increasing outreach to quality clients and generating a bankable project pipeline. The PM will recruit, motivate, train, and develop staff in accordance with established policies to maintain an effective workplace. Regular monitoring of the local consultancy market is essential, as is overseeing the implementation of the annual consultant review to guide market development activities. The PM will identify potential clients that meet qualifying criteria and manage the donor-funded budget for the country, ensuring efficient and transparent budget management. Accountability to donors for effective fund management is critical, including regular reporting and audits. The PM will also be responsible for team management, including recruitment, compensation, performance management, and coaching, while ensuring adherence to the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA or MA from a recognized program in international development, economics, or business, or have equivalent work experience. Relevant professional experience is required, preferably from commercial management consultancy, corporates, banks, donor organizations, or international support programs. Knowledge of the local business environment and consultancy market, as well as business advisory services, is essential. Familiarity with national stakeholders such as SME associations, regional development agencies, and chambers of commerce is also important. Knowledge of donor-funded work and donor organizations is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BA or MA degree from a recognized institution in fields such as international development, economics, or business. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience, ideally gained in commercial management consultancy, corporate environments, banks, donor organizations, or international support programs. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the local business landscape and the challenges faced by small businesses.

Languages:
Fluency in English and the local language(s) is mandatory, both written and verbal. Strong writing skills in both English and local languages are essential, particularly for drafting project proposals, terms of references, and reports. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting for 2 years. The EBRD promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background. The organization supports flexible working arrangements, with an expectation for employees to work in the office 50% of the time. The role may require extensive travel within the country and internationally, and candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the job.