Requisition ID 35576 Office Country Egypt Office City Cairo Division Banking Sectors Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 17/04/2025
Purpose of Job
The Principal Manager (PM) is responsible for delivery of Advice for Small Businesses (ASB) activities in the country, including developing realistic and compelling annual business plans and leading the local team to implement them in line with the EBRDโs strategic priorities for SME development in the country. The PM takes responsibility for overseeing and managing the conception, implementation, completion and evaluation of advisory activities aligned with EBRD investment priorities, managing the project portfolio, driving the design and implementation of strategic initiatives such as non-financial services for financial industry counterparts, supply chain advisory and start-up support as well as visibility activities, alongside regular management of the finance and administration of the local Programme.
The PM should maintain open and constructive relations both internally within the EBRD RO and HQ and externally with the local business community, financial market players, donors and key private sector and government stakeholders. Importantly, the Principal Manager will personally champion and role model the Bankโs ethics culture by ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the teamโs performance.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the ASB annual operational plan including the objectives of EBRDโs SME offer for the country, setting operational targets including the grant guideline matrix for projects, in close collaboration with the Regional Associate Director.
- Under the supervision of the Regional Associate Director, contribute to the business development activities, in view of increasing the outreach to quality clients and generating bankable project pipeline.
- Together with the Regional Associate Director, recruit, motivate, train and develop staff within agreed policies and practices to maintain an effective workplace capable of meeting its objectives.
- Contribute to the development of the EBRD country strategy or policy dialogue efforts in line with SME sector priorities in consultation with EBRD country management.
- Regularly monitor developments in local consultancy market and oversee and manage the implementation of the annual consultant review in order to guide market development activities.
- Identify and pursue potential clients who meet the qualifying criteria, contributing to ASB and banking business development.
- Oversees and manages the donor funded budget for the country, including grant monitoring and operational disbursements via local bank accounts, to ensure the budget is managed efficiently, effectively and transparently.
- Be accountable to donors for the effective management of their funds, including through regular reporting, audits and evaluations, so as to always be able to verify that public funding has been used prudently, for the intended purpose, and with impact that justifies its expenditure.
- Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of the Team including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and development.
- Champion and role model the Bankโs Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Education/Professional qualifications
- BA. /MA from a recognised programme in international development, economics or business and/or equivalent work experience
Experience
- Relevant professional experience, preferably from commercial management consultancy, corporates or bank, donor organisation, or international support programme.
- Knowledge of local business environment and consultancy market.
- Knowledge of business advisory services.
- Knowledge of national stakeholders such as SME Associations or support organisations, regional development agencies, chambers of commerce & industry.
- Knowledge of donor funded work, donor organisations is desirable.
Skills
- Business / financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding of local accounting principles and practice of company financial analysis.
- People management (recruitment, mentoring, coaching) skills.
- Experience with and understanding of local small businesses โ their development challenges, financing needs, strengths and weaknesses.
- Strong business diagnostics skills.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills and ability to manage relations with clients and consultants and local stakeholders.
- Diplomatic skills to develop and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, including government officials and representatives of international organisations.
- Fluency in English and local language(s), both written and verbal. Strong writing skills in English and local language(s);
- Experience in writing project proposals, terms of references or reports desirable.
- Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.
General
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate, passionate about private sector development.
- Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.
- Multi-tasking, self-initiative.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the country and internationally.
- Strong presentation skills to represent EBRD in public fora, and with interlocutors at ministerial level.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience in leading at a senior level, interpreting and delivering strategies and programmes.
- Ability to convincingly articulate strategy and resource needs to EBRD senior management.
- Strategic vision to recognise opportunities to innovate and lead the team in developing those opportunities into projects that can be implemented.
What is it like to work at the EBRD?
Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.
The EBRD environment provides you with:
- Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
- A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
- An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
Diversity is one of the Bankโs core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.
Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).
- BA. /MA from a recognised programme in international development, economics or business and/or equivalent work experience