Analyst, ASB

Requisition ID 36960 Office Country Benin Office City Cotonou Division Banking Countries of Operations Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 14/08/2026

As this role involves collaboration with international teams, we kindly ask that you submit your resume in English.

Purpose of Job

The Analyst contributes to all activities of the EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses Programme, including initiation, structuring, execution, implementation, monitoring and completion of advisory project and non-project activities.

The Analyst will take responsibility for the tasks assigned to them by the Principal Manager and other senior members of the project team, which may include execution, business development for compliant project pipeline, undertaking due diligence including compatibility with SME F&D group strategic directions, stakeholder outreach and coordination of visibility activities and other non-financial services.

The Analyst will work with clients to identify their business needs, areas for business advice and potential financing needs. They will develop the scope of advisory projects focusing on priority areas, and identify suitable consultants or experts for the assignments.

The Analyst carries out these tasks under the guidance of senior team members and under the supervision of the Principal Manager, working closely with the wider SME Finance & Development team and banking and policy colleagues, both in EBRD Resident Offices and in HQ.

Background

The EBRD supports SMEs in growing their businesses by providing access to finance and know-how. The SME Finance and Development Group (SME F&D) leads and coordinates the Bank’s SME offer as part of the EBRD Client Services Group. The SME offer comprises an integrated toolbox of a wide range of instruments and innovative products available to SMEs across three main impact pillars: Pillar I: Wide outreach to SMEs via advisory services coupled with intermediated SME finance products; Pillar II: Nourishing champions via financial and non-financial engagement with high growth potential SMEs; and Pillar III: engaging in SME-conducive eco-system improvements via policy dialogue.

Advice for Small Businesses is delivered mainly through complementary advisory products: e.g. tailor made advisory support (i.e. local consultancy, and industry expertise provided by international advisers) as well as trainings/workshops and other knowledge products. Access to advice is provided directly to clients, via EBRD’s partner banks, as well as in cooperation with relevant partner organisations.

Each ASB activity is co-funded by donors through bilateral or multi-donor accounts, including around 20 countries, the European Union, and the EBRD itself. SME clients also make a contribution to the cost, ensuring their full commitment. EBRD rigorously monitors the overall project cycle from selection, conception, implementation, completion to evaluation of the projects.

The Analyst, under the supervision of and in close consultation with the Principal Manager, contributes to developing and managing aspects of the ASB country portfolio of activities, managing relationships with consultants and clients in accordance with the annual operational plan, Bank policies and procedures, as well as EBRD integrity and ethical conduct and standards.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Principal Manager, the Analyst will deliver instruments, activities and any other delegated tasks under the Advice for Small Businesses Programme in line with strategic priorities of the Bank and the SME Finance and Development Business Group, and in coordination with relevant teams (e.g. Financial Institutions, Corporate sector, Policy and other relevant teams).

1. Structuring and Execution

• Perform all activities under the Programme in full alignment with the Bank’s policies and procedures, donor requirements, internal control and compliance standards, as well as the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct working with credible and respectable counterparts.
• Be responsible for origination and conception, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation of advisory activities.
• Analyse clients’ financials and growth prospects, with a view to structure impactful advisory support and nourish them for financing.
• Contribute to business development generating a pipeline of high quality clients and advisory activities in priority areas (e.g. digital, green, inclusion, innovation).

2. Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

• Ensure maximum synergy of advisory and banking, such as under EBRD intermediated SME finance programmes, e.g. Women in Business or Youth in Business, we well as Risk Sharing Facilities; Supply Chain Financing or other dedicated financial or non-financial initiatives.
• Contribute to regular portfolio assessment to generate ideas for follow up support and new initiatives.
• Monitoring portfolio companies’ performance and nourishing them for financing.
• Follow market trends in strategic priority areas to contribute to the development of innovative ideas for financial and non-financial products for SMEs.
• Under the supervision of the Principal Manager, broaden the pool of local consultants and expertise.
• Support the Principal Manager in the development of internal and donor reports in partnership with HQ, to inform donors on the progress of activities and utilisation of funding, as well as contribute to new donor proposals.
• Under the guidance of the Principal Manager, be responsible for implementing or supporting the implementation of marketing and visibility activities to promote Advice for Small Businesses activities and donor/s in the country.
• Where relevant, be responsible for preparing and submitting for review accurate and timely Monthly Financial Reports (MFRs), keep adequate and well-organised documentation in support of all local payments in line with EBRD's duties for prudent management of donor funds.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree (Business, Economics, Finance or equivalent work experience)
• Business/financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understand local accounting principles and conduct financial analysis.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Strong problem solving skills and ability to think creatively.
• Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills and ability to manage relations with SME clients, partner financial institutions, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills; experience in writing advisory project proposals, terms of references or reports desirable.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in language of country of operations is essential.
• Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.

Experience and Knowledge

• Relevant professional experience, preferably from commercial management consultancy, development institutions or financial institutions (banks).
• Knowledge of and experience working in at least one of EBRD’s strategic SME priority areas (i.e. green economy, economic inclusion, sustainable supply chains, SME finance and digitalisation), as well as market trends in these areas
• Knowledge and understanding of business advisory services.
• Knowledge of local business environment and consultancy market is essential.
• Knowledge of relevant stakeholders, SME business associations financial sector players or support organizations.
• Knowledge of marketing and social media desirable.

General

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work independently and in diverse teams.
• Multi-tasking, self initiative.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the country and internationally.

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).