Purpose of Job

Independently analyse and appraise the risks of EBRD’s new and existing portfolio equity and quasi-equity transactions. Identify required due diligence, validate structure and pricing, value creation plans, exit strategy and market risk mitigation. Challenge bankers and the Bank’s Committees to ensure that banking projects comply with the Bank’s sound banking mandate. The Associate Director Risk Officer reviews portfolio projects, validates fair value assessments and communicates trends in the portfolio and lessons learned to management and peers for project selection, broader strategic decision-making and bottom-up stress-testing. The Associate Director Risk Officer may be responsible to lead, coach and manage junior Equity Risk Officers, analysts and junior bankers rotating through Equity Risk Management Team.

Background

Risk Management is the Bank’s second line of defence, which is responsible for the independent identification, reporting and mitigation of risks. The Associate Director Risk Officer provides advice and presents recommendations to the Operations Committee, Small Business Investment Committee (SBIC) and Equity Committee (EqCom).

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• As part of their on-boarding, initiate risk-based analysis of the proposed new EBRD countries of operation, namely Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Senegal.
• Ensure that the EBRD understands the operating environment, corporate and infrastructure sectors, overall corporate business environment and general market structure issues in each of these seven countries.
• Once these countries are on-boarded take responsibility for establishing an independent and unbiased view on equity proposals presented to the Operations Committee / SBIC / Equity Committee and make clear recommendations on each proposal. Prepare and communicate equity risk notes at each stage of approval.

• Act as the risk expert for all Equity Risk projects in Sub Saharan Africa and Iraq, and provide operational guidelines to the Banking teams as well as sector risk managers, and provide input into project selection and prioritisation.
• Deliver clear authoritative conclusions in the context of large volumes and tight timescales. Take responsibility for the credit risk of designated own portfolio.
• Take responsibility for any new product approvals and management of those products needed to do business in Sub Saharan Africa and Iraq.
• Take responsibility for ensuring that the team has the adequate information data feeds to fully understand the environment in Sub Saharan Africa and Iraq.
• Analyse the equity case and structure, entry valuations, value creation plan and realism of exit assumptions. Review integrity and anti-money laundering issues to ensure compliance with internal guidelines and advise on referral to the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer as required. Appraise the validity and reliability of key assumptions of each proposal, including via involvement in the commissioning and review of independent due diligence and travel.
• Ensure projects comply with relevant valuation methodology and guidelines. Have the ownership of Risk data in the area of responsibility.
• Exercise independent delegated authority regarding portfolio actions (including certain waivers and amendments), and recommendations to senior management on matters requiring higher level approval (including capital increases, exits, transfers to corporate recovery, etc.).
• Lead proactive and regularly monitoring of the assigned portfolio counterparties, product and market developments. Actively and constructively engage with Banking and other relevant staff to ensure adequacy of front-line monitoring, coach Banking when appropriate (including rotation in Equity Risk Management).
• In liaison with other Risk teams lead equity portfolio reviews and provide input to equity portfolio stress-tests. Collaborate with other members of staff; especially in the Banking Department, Finance, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Chief Economist and Banking Equity to ensure effective cross-departmental and business functioning.
• Participate in various executive Bank committees - including the Operations Committee, SBIC, the Equity Committee and the Risk Committee.
• Participate and contribute positively to various initiatives within Risk Management or bank-wide.
• Be an agent of commercial equity culture dissemination in the Bank

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Strong influencing skills in challenging Banking’s equity strategy, asset selection, structuring and portfolio management.
• Extensive experience of equity analysis, relevant markets and best practice.
• Hands-on transactional equity experience gained by working for private equity funds, large corporates, advisory boutiques, investment banks, family offices, pension funds or hedge funds.
• Ability to serve as the equity risk expert for equity investments including through provision of operational guidelines to Banking teams.
• Knowledge of emerging markets, and specifically of Africa: Sub-Saharan countries and SEMED.
• Capability of delivering clear authoritative conclusions in the context of large volumes and tight timescales. Proven skills and track record in autonomous decision-making capacity at a senior level in credit and equity risk in high-risk environments.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills and superior financial analysis skills.
• Advanced degree in finance, business, economics or equivalent on the job training.
• People management skills for junior staff under his/her responsibility.

Behaviours

The Associate Director Risk Officer is expected to be authoritative and influential, provide well-judged advice and guidance across the entire business.

• Ability to analyse and size up projects rapidly and to make authoritative recommendations.
• Ability to build rapport and understanding with bankers and gain their respect by presenting sound arguments based on evidence.
• Ability to deliver information in the right format to differing groups by having effective writing and verbal skills.
• Willingness to find and share technical knowledge about international best practice, specific industry, country or projects.
• Solution-orientated approach and a collaborative working style, ability to understand and awareness of the perspectives of others.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

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).