At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex financial projects in sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and Africa.
- Company: Join EBRD, a pioneering international organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid workplace, competitive benefits, and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact in energy and infrastructure while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; experience in finance and project management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Banker role at EBRD. The Principal Banker is allocated to the Sustainable Infrastructure Middle East & Africa team, which delivers the Bank's mandate in the energy and infrastructure sectors in EBRD’s Countries of Operation spanning the Middle East & Africa. The role will be focused on EBRD’s new Countries of Operation in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Principal Banker is competent in undertaking all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of, project development and implementation, including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring, for all types of investment instruments offered by the Bank.
The Project life-cycle involves several stages from origination to signing, followed by implementation and monitoring until full completion and repayment or exit. All the stages involve different tasks such as business marketing, project due diligence analysis, structuring and approval, negotiation and signing of project agreements, disbursement and monitoring.
The role of the Principal Banker is to contribute, as a senior project team member, to the structuring, implementation and monitoring of complex transactions, and to lead, as an operation leader, the development of less complex debt and equity transactions, and the effective implementation and monitoring of an assigned number of portfolio projects, in line with the Bank’s operational objectives.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Structuring and Execution: Work as a senior project team member with more experienced operation leaders on complex transactions, contributing to all aspects of project structuring and execution; as an operation leader, lead structuring, negotiation (including review of legal documentation) and the execution of transactions.
- Team Leadership: Manage the resources and workload of the project teams under their supervision; oversee the project due diligence process ensuring it meets the Bank’s standards; ensure that all transactions are completed within the specified time frames to a high standard.
- Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting: As a senior project team member, perform tasks assigned by the operation leader and provide constructive portfolio monitoring advice; as operation leader, take overall responsibility for effective monitoring of all projects, supervise junior bankers, and ensure timely notification of critical portfolio issues.
- Policy Dialogue: Contribute to policy dialogue in a leading role or supporting function; assist in providing necessary support for efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds.
- Business Development: Assist with marketing and business development efforts to build reputable market contacts, and screen project proposal flow generated through business development.
- Staff Management: Recruit, train, coach, and mentor junior bankers, ensuring adequate quality of project work; develop productive relationships within the organisation and champion the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies.
Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
- Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA desirable.
- Strong quantitative and credit analysis skills.
- Computer literacy with Microsoft Office and financial modelling packages.
- Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes.
- Stakeholder management, coaching, mentoring & leadership, relationship management and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; good command over local/country language is an advantage.
Experience & Knowledge
- Significant relevant financial industry experience from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards.
- Practical experience of participating in and leading complex transactions through the full project life cycle.
- Significant financial industry experience covering the energy or infrastructure sectors, particularly in EBRD’s new Countries of Operation in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Strong experience in project finance and / or climate finance.
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.
Principal Banker employer: EBRD
At EBRD, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that champions diversity and innovation within a dynamic workplace. Our London office offers a hybrid work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing, providing competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a pioneering international organisation dedicated to shaping the future of the regions we invest in.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Banker
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like EBRD. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Banker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to EBRD.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on EBRD's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at EBRD
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with EBRD.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at EBRD will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former EBRD employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
