Principal Manager, Advice for Small Businesses

EBRD
Lagos State
Full time
3 weeks ago
Requisition ID 35753 Office Country Nigeria Office City Lagos Division Banking Sectors   Contract Type Fixed Term  Contract Length 3 years  Posting End Date 24/07/2025 

 

 

 

 

Purpose of Job

The Principal Manager (PM) is responsible for delivery of Advice for Small Businesses (ASB) activities in the country, including developing realistic and compelling annual business plans and leading the local team to implement them in line with the EBRD’s strategic priorities for SME development in the country. The PM takes responsibility for overseeing and managing the conception, implementation, completion and evaluation of advisory activities aligned with EBRD investment priorities, managing the project portfolio, driving the design and implementation of strategic initiatives such as non-financial services for financial industry counterparts, supply chain advisory and start-up support as well as visibility activities, alongside regular management of the finance and administration of the local Programme.

The Principal Manager should maintain open and constructive relations both internally within the EBRD Resident Office and HQ and externally with the local business community, financial market players, donors and key private sector and government stakeholders. Importantly, the Principal Manager will personally champion, and role model the Bank’s ethics culture by ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the team’s performance.

 

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 Principal Manager is responsible for the delivery of ASB operation and leadership of the local team. The PM ensures that all ASB operations are conducted in accordance with the highest quality standards and ASB internal control framework. The Principal Manager reports to the Regional Associate Director.

 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Associate Director, the Principal Manager will lead the delivery of 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 teams).

1. Structuring and Execution

2. Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

 

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills

Experience and Knowledge

General

 

What is it like to work at the 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. 

 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. 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, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

 

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).

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