Purpose of Job
The Adviser plays a central role in delivering the overall work program of VP,CFO and advises and supports the CFO in fulfilling their role effectively and efficiently. The Associate Director is responsible for providing expertise and guidance and, as delegated by the CFO, taking the lead, on a range of management, strategic and operational topics related to the responsibilities of the VP,CFO, liaising with the Bank’s senior management, the Board of Directors and key external stakeholders
They lead the implementation of key strategic or operational initiatives, working directly with the VP,CFO management team as needed. They may represent the Vice Presidency or CFO in meetings and external events as needed. The incumbent may act as Secretary of committees and boards chaired by the CFO, as and when required. They advise on setting the agenda, steering items for decision, clearing submissions (in terms of process and quality), and ensuring follow-up to decisions by the respective committee/board, all together facilitating its effective and efficient management.
Reporting to the VP, CFO, the Adviser is a member of the CFO management team, and ensures smooth flow of information and consistency across the team in follow-up regarding management decisions.
Background
The Adviser works directly with the VP, CFO as well as the CFO management team, consisting of the MD, Financial Strategy, Planning and Control; the MD, Treasury; and the Director, Loan Syndications. They also act as an interface between the Vice President and the departments within the Vice Presidency, as required by the VP, CFO.
The Adviser acts as a bridge between the VP, CFO and the organisation, both internally and externally. The position is designed to provide senior, professional support to the VP in view of the significant scale and scope of responsibility assigned to the VP, and undertake specific operational or strategic task on behalf of the VP from time to time. The Associate Director is expected to participate in confidential, strategic meetings (including meeting with the President and the ExCom members).
Accountability and Responsibility
Advisor / Gatekeeper / Trouble-shooter
Advise the CFO and provide support on operational, financial and change management issues as appropriate, taking the lead when appropriate; ensure the CFO is apprised of potential issues and discuss how they might be addressed; keep on top of corporate and external developments and proactively identify and direct the CFO’s attention to topics which need to be addressed;
Keep abreast of other Bank-wide policies and matters that may impact the Finance Group and how to address/incorporate such policies/matters in group activities;
Develop and implement, or contribute to, various policy and strategic initiatives within the Group as directed by the VP, CFO from time to time;
Advance and maintain strong working relationships with the Bank’s senior management, members of the Board and key external stakeholders;
Exercise judgement on which issues to bring to the CFO’s attention. Act as gatekeeper for the CFO to preserve their time and energy, where possible solving problems of a cross-cutting nature effectively and quietly and representing the CFO and/or the Group across the organisation as delegated by the CFO;
Ensure the CFO’s views and decisions are communicated adequately and implemented effectively throughout the organisation as well as with regard to external parties. This includes show-casing of good practice through regular and inclusive debriefs with clear follow up.
Being aware of deadlines, preparing timelines for certain actions to take in order to arrive to the right result in right time.
Ensure the preparation of high quality briefing notes for various counterparts within the Bank as required;
Committee / Project Board activity
Act as a secretariat for committees and project boards chaired by the VP, CFO and as when assigned by CFO.
Orchestrate good decision making through agenda management by providing the right advice from the right stakeholders at the right time;
In proposing the agenda and building on discussions, ensure that only items that require decisions at committee level are presented
Review all related documents, identify issues arising from submissions and, where appropriate, work with staff and senior management to settle them outside of meetings.
Produce a draft list of key issues for consideration by the CFO prior to each meeting, and discuss the same with the CFO.
Communicate the list of issues to all members and all relevant staff members prior to the meeting. Act, as necessary, as a point of contact for staff needing further guidance or those querying the issues identified.
Participate in all meetings, intervene as necessary to steer the discussion towards necessary decisions, and produce a set of agreed minutes.
Follow up on implementation of the committee / board decisions.
Management and Board Committee Work
Review, assess, and advise VP,CFO on client deals, new products and various papers presented at EqCom, OpsCom, RiskCom, and other committees, as required by the CFO. Apply technical financial knowledge in addition to business knowledge to the assessment to assist the CFO in decision-making.
Review documentation, brief the VP, CFO on any pertinent issues and, as delegated, provide VP sign off, on all committee documents that are presented to the various bank wide committees
Review documentation, brief the VP, CFO on any pertinent issues in connection with relevant Audit Committee, BAAC and FOPC papers that may impact on the Finance Group;
Ensures adequate follow-up on any relevant issues arising from various committees.
People and Change
Assist the CFO in the design, implementation and communication of change programmes, with specific attention to the implementation and communication of changes for specific work streams as delegated by CFO.
Manage the CFO’s Bank-wide communication, as well as communication within the Group and between the Group and other parts of the Bank (town halls, floor walks, team meeting, team emails etc.)
Organise or facilitate organisation of meetings, off-site events, team offsite meetings, as applicable;
Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times
Work with the CFO, and take the lead from time-to-time, on HR-related issues within the Group;
Liaise with HR Department to assist the CFO in effective resolution/processing of any relevant HR issues;
Ensure day-to-day management responsibility for administrative matters (budget authorisations, travel authorisations).
Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications
Relevant degree, or equivalent experience
Very good technical financial knowledge on matters such as investment valuation, capital management and P&L management
Good business acumen coupled with good knowledge of Banking activities, Treasury activities, risk management and accounting
Good understanding of the EBRD, its mandate and the broad range of its operations as well as its interactions with its key partners.
Experience operating as a trusted adviser and delivering through others.
Skills
An analytical problem solver, with the ability to identify issues and work towards effective solutions in a methodical manner
Results oriented, self-motivated individual with pro-active approach and strong leadership and inter-personal skills.
High political awareness and strong diplomatic skills to interact with internal and external counterparts at all levels.
Ability to persuade and influence a range of stakeholders, to negotiate, persuade and reach constructive outcomes
Very strong organisation skills and time management skills.
Demonstrated project and / or transformation management skills with the ability to scope, lead and deliver transactions/projects
Proven business writing and verbal communication skills in English, with a focus on presenting to audiences at all levels
Please note that CCTs, Interns and applicants working directly for a Board office can only apply for jobs advertised via the external careers website.
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