Principal, Adviser to MD SEMED

Requisition ID 37007 Office Country Egypt Office City Cairo Division Banking Countries of Operations Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 28/08/2026

Purpose of Job

As a key member of the Managing Director’s Front Office, the Principal Adviser advises and supports the Managing Director (MD) on a range of management, strategic and operational topics related to the activities of the MD’s countries of operation within the region. The role supports the MD on cross-sectoral and institutional issues that span across the MD’s region and provides input to a range of operational and strategic matters. The key objective is to help ensure effective and efficient management of the activities in the MD’s region, in particular ensuring the quality of the output of the Groups, day-to-day functioning of the Business Groups and co-ordination with other departments/units in the Bank and external stakeholders.

It is expected that the Principal Adviser will have a high commitment to the Bank’s mandate and institutional goals combined with the ability to foster an environment conducive to technical excellence, lead/contribute to strategic thinking for the Bank and its sectors and/or countries, and provide leadership with a consistent approach towards staff, clients and shareholders.

The Principal Adviser is a key position within the MD’s Front Office encompassing a wide range of management and operational functions to support the MD’s delivery of the strategic objectives of the region, including assisting the MD in managing the administrative operations within the MD’s Front Office and supporting the Regional Directors and/ or Heads of Countries in operational and strategic tasks as appropriate.

The Principal Adviser is an independent role and is expected to act as an interface between the MD’s front office, teams/ ROs in the region, other departments/ units within the Bank, as well as external parties as assigned and delegated by the MD.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Operational responsibilities:

• Main counterparties are the Regional Directors and Heads of Offices in the region, Sector and SME regional heads.
• Works closely with the MD on various policy and operational issues, including input to strategy, presentations, co-ordination with other IFIs and donors, and ad hoc requests, including by proactive initiative, taking the lead when delegated, and keeping abreast of Bank-wide policies and matters that may be impactful for the MD’s region and the Bank.
• Supports the MD in managing the administrative operations within the MD’s Front Office, including a supervisory role of the budget functions and HR related activities for the Group.
• Work with the Regional Directors and/or Heads of Countries to address/resolve complex and/or sensitive issues requiring involvement of the MD’s front office.
• Provide assistance to the relevant Regional Directors and/ or Heads of Countries in their work with other departments within the Bank, ensuring that senior level contacts with other departments, stakeholders and constituencies are consistently maintained and information is shared as appropriate.
• Assume responsibility for the preparation of regular portfolio/pipeline development reporting/ analysis for the MD to facilitate decision-making as well as input to working papers, briefings and presentations.
• Review quality of pipeline project records, identify inconsistencies, and direct colleagues to implement adjustments to ensure adequate up-to-date maintenance of data used in strategic planning by the senior management in order to achieve Bank business objectives. Ensure the MD is briefed on any pertinent issues.
• Monitor the regions performance against scorecard targets, identify variances, and liaise with colleagues and relevant departments to address concerns and improve data consistency, including for appraisal purposes.
• Represent the MD, as required, at working committees, meetings and events, with an emphasis on sharing relevant information and developments.
• Reviews and briefs the MD on relevant internal documentation; ensures adequate follow-up on any relevant issues as required and ensures quality control in respect of Bank documents.
• Prepare or facilitate preparation of briefing packages for high level missions; presentations, marketing documentation, speeches, interviews, as required, for the MD in cooperation with the relevant teams.
• Oversee the Groups' portfolio performance information and provide necessary updates and data as required by the MDs.
• Organises and facilitates organisation of regional meetings and events such as off-site events, team retreats as applicable.

Policy/strategic work:

• Participate and play an active role in Bank-wide discussions and work relating to strategic issues of the region.
• Ensure that the MD is adequately informed and briefed on relevant policy dialogue initiatives and country or sector strategies and their impact on the region.
• Develop and implement, or contribute to, various policy and strategic initiatives within the Business Group.
• Manage SSF allocation for TC projects in the region including contribution in preparation of the SSF (bi) annual plan.

Business Development:

• Prepare or facilitate preparation of presentations and marketing documentation in cooperation with the relevant Banking teams, including BDU, and other internal departments.
• Assist the MD in coordinating and preparing business development events outside the Bank.

Staff Management and Budget:

• Contribute to the resolution of HR-related issues within the Team.
• Work with HR Department to assist the MDs in effective processing of any relevant HR issues.
• Actively contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the engagement action plans for the Business Groups.
• Assist the MD in business planning and budget negotiations as may be required from time to time.

Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Principal level, relevant investment, finance or policy experience coupled with sound understanding of the Bank’s mandate, processes and policies
• Sound understanding and good knowledge of issues related to banking and RO management
• Relevant university degree
• Strong leadership, management, communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven business judgement and high ethical and professional standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage and complete transactions/policy projects
• Excellent time and project management skills
• Excellent business report writing skills
• Excellent English language skills (both written and oral)
• Relevant geographical experience

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Strategic vision and thought leadership, ability to look beyond the immediate constraints and see the bigger picture
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple complex tasks with an emphasis on timely completion
• Ability to persuade and influence a range of stakeholders, to negotiate and to bring others around to your point of view and reach constructive outcomes
• Results oriented, self-motivated individual with pro-active approach
• An analytical problem solver, with the ability to identify issues and work towards effective solutions in a methodical manner
• A facilitator able to build and maintain effective working relationship within the Banking Department and across the organisation
• High level of personal integrity
• Attention to detail

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).