In light of the significant share and importance of Turkey in the Bank's activity, and increased emphasis on policy dialogue/engagement; there is an on-going need to build and maintain strong relations with government officials at all levels, monitor changes in government composition and policies, assist the Deputy Head of Turkey, Ankara RO and sector teams to engage with the relevant counterparties to promote sector reform. Furthermore, with the launch of the Turkey Donor Fund there is a need to liaise with the authorities with regard to the programme implementation and ensure the priorities agreed with the Turkish authorities with regard to the fund are followed as projects are being prepared by banking teams.

Additionally, on the investment side, the project life-cycle involves several stages from origination to signing, followed by implementation and monitoring until full completion and repayment or exit. All the stages involve different tasks such as business marketing, project due diligence analysis, structuring and approval, negotiation and signing of project agreements, disbursement and monitoring.

The Associate Banker, Policy and Government Relations contributes to the delivery of three important tasks (i) management of the relations with the government and relevant institutions, (ii) implementation of policy dialogue and engagement in coordination with the sector and country teams and (iii) delivery of the investment projects including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring.

The Associate Banker will take responsibility for those tasks assigned to Associate Banker by the line manager which may include:

• On the policy side: identification, engagement and correspondence with government officials for the implementation and monitoring of policy objectives.
• On the investments side: undertaking due diligence, including financial, market, integrity and EBRD policy compliance, as well as effective post-signing implementation and monitoring.

 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Management of Government Relations and Policy Implementation

• Support Deputy Head of Turkey, Ankara RO and sector teams in developing relations with government authorities, diplomatic corps, business associations and other relevant institutions.
• Work with inter alia, sector teams, E2C2, LC2, LTT and EPG (regional economists, inclusion) on developing key areas of policy dialogue/engagement identified in the strategy for Turkey and sector strategies. Identify most appropriate counterparts and  best approach to ensure engagement and impact of the Bank’s efforts;
• Assist the Deputy Head of Turkey, Ankara RO to manage and develop the programme of official meetings for senior level visits in co-ordination with MD Turkey and other Deputy Heads as well as the preparation of briefing notes and back to the office reports.
• Co-ordinate activities and resources  engaged in  the preparation of the Board Consultation Visits;
• In collaboration with the Donor Co-Financing team, engage with both sector teams and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance in implementing the Turkey Donor Fund.
• Take responsibility, as TC operation leader, to design and process technical co-operation assistance, ensuring that TC processing and approval fits with the approval schedule of any related investment project and/or the related policy dialogue initiative. Also ensure effective implementation and monitoring of TC assignments and compliance with donor reporting requirements

Structuring/Execution and Portfolio Monitoring (Under the guidance of the line manager, operation leader or a more senior banker)

• Work as a project team member on transactions, contributing to all aspects of project structuring and execution including preparation of internal project documentation, as well as working with client counterparts, consultants and other parties to progress the project;
• Ensure that all tasks within  Associate Banker are completed within the specified time frames to a high standard and in line with the policies, procedures and objectives of the Bank.
• Take responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of all projects to which the Associate Banker is assigned, including compliance with project agreements and Bank procedures related to disbursement; monitoring of progress of the project implementation and financial performance of the client; assessing evolving risk factors and monitoring and assessing covenant compliance.
• Prepare timely and comprehensive monitoring reports and include recommendations for corrective actions where required and ensure these proposed corrective actions and recommendations are brought to the attention of more senior team members;

The responsibilities of the Associate Banker are designed to allow for the development of policy implementation and transaction expertise and expansion of responsibilities, leading to assuming the role of an operation leader on a wide spectrum of policy initiatives as well as standard, non-complex investment transactions.  

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge 

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise.
• Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA desirable.
• Working experience in Turkey and knowledge of the political and business environment in the region is a key requirement.
• Ability to articulate policy issues and communicate at a senior level
• Strong quantitative/numerical skills are critical with the ability to interpret financial information and to design and use financial models.
• Credit analysis skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding local and international accounting principles and practice of credit analysis.
• Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spread sheet packages including financial analysis and modelling modules.
• Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and to deadlines and under time pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Turkish.
• Relevant financial industry, government relations and policy experience from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards, major think-tank or business associations.
• Practical experience of participating in transactions through the full project life cycle.

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.

Application: Only through EBRD Jobs web portal, https://jobs.ebrd.com