Analyst, SME F&D

The Analyst supports the SME F&D Operations Support and SME F&D Grants Units, and is responsible for (a) financial monitoring and reporting in relation to ASB/SBI activities, for both internal (management accounts) and external purposes (financial reporting to donors), above all ensuring that donor funds are used wisely and in accordance with prevailing legal agreements as well as in compliance with Donor requirements, such as the EU sanctions, and (b) fundraising, grants portfolio administration related to the Small Business Impact Fund. The analyst will typically focus on both Local Consultancy and International Advisory. The analyst will create and maintain the structure of ASB finances based on donor agreements and guidance from more senior colleagues, as well as supporting the process of related payments. He/she will also support the SME F&D Grants Unit, which is responsible for implementation of Technical Co-operation and Co-investment grants mobilised for the SME Finance &

Development Group.The analyst will interact with external consultants and internally, some parts of EBRD Finance (for example, Invoice Control).

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Create and maintain financial allocations in line with individual donor agreements and guidance from more senior colleagues, in order to ensure ASB uses donor funds according to its legal obligations and in compliance with Donor requirements, such as the EU sanctions

• Monitor disbursements (and use of bank accounts) in the context of new and existing agreements for donor-funded ASB programmes, to ensure proper control of the use of scarce donor resources, and ensure local ASB accounts can be reconciled against the Accurate system.

• Review and monitor Monthly Finance Reports (MFR) process, by which spending by local ASB offices is reflected in core EBRD systems, in support of accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Prepare inputs for project-related financial reports, so that donors have accurate and timely information on the ASB activities they finance, and provide support for internal management accounts, for decision-making by more senior colleagues.

• Support fundraising, drafting and negotiating with donor especially on budget and results

• Analyse operational and project spending across all 29 countries of operation for both LC and IA to produce funding projections when required, to complete the full picture of future funding available and highlight shortages to more senior colleagues.

• Review contract terms of reference and budgets received from project-focussed colleagues, including liaison between all parties, in order to ensure that business needs are in accordance with prudent procurement and use of donor funds, and process CRFs to ensure consultants are mobilised

• Provide support for invoice payment processing, including liaison with colleagues, consultants and other stakeholders, so that service providers are paid on time and on completion of agreed deliverables.

• Act as the first point of reference on behalf of ASB in dealings with teams such as Invoice Control and Nostro Control in EBRD Finance, in order to resolve issues as they arise.

• Conduct other ad hoc financial and administrative tasks as defined by management to ensure team’s objectives are met.

Relevant degree

Knowledge and Experience

• Relevant work experience, preferably gained from a major commercial bank, financial institution, donor organisation, consultancy or international support programme.

• Demonstrable experience in finance and contract management, especially in relation to donor-funded activities.

• Knowledge of donor organisations and experience in donor fund mobilisation desirable.

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate.

Technical Skills

• Strong numerical and financial skills and ability to assimilate and analyse large volumes of financial data.

• Experience with the SAP accounting system preferable, as well as the ability to learn new systems quickly.

• Excellent written (report drafting, correspondence) and verbal communication skills

• Ability to operate sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relations with internal and external stakeholders clients and colleagues, especially colleagues in 25 countries and other EBRD departments.

• Willingness to travel to and work in EBRD countries of operation.

• Willingness to improve financial skills through study towards relevant professional qualifications or appropriate training.

• Ability to work well within a team.

• Ability to work to and meet tight deadlines.

• Business / financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding of local accounting principles and practice of company financial analysis desirable.