Senior Risk Officer, Corporate & Project Finance, Sub Saharan Africa & Iraq

EBRD; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The EBRD seeks an Associate Director, Senior Risk Officer in London to oversee risk management for portfolio debt transactions, particularly in high-risk regions. Candidates should possess substantial experience in risk assessment, strong communication, and the ability to mentor junior staff. The role offers a dynamic work environment within a diverse international organization committed to sustainable investment strategies.

Benefits

Stimulating collaborative work environment

Inclusive and diverse culture

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in high-risk environments, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.
• Proven ability to manage risks at a senior level.
• People management skills for junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Analyze risks of the EBRD's portfolio debt transactions.
• Provide independent assessments and recommendations to the Operations Committee.
• Lead and manage junior staff while ensuring compliance with risk guidelines.

Skills

Risk Management

Influencing Skills

Communication Skills

Decision-Making

Analytical Skills

Education

Advanced degree in finance, business, or economics

Job description

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Requisition ID: 35779

Office Country: United Kingdom

Office City: London

Division: Risk Management

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full Time

Contract Type: Regular

Contract Length: Posting End Date: 19/06/2025

Purpose of Job

Independently analyze and appraise risks of the EBRD's new and existing portfolio debt transactions. Identify due diligence requirements, recommend risk mitigation measures and transaction structures, including security, covenants, and pricing. Advise bankers and the Bank's Committees to ensure project compliance with the Bank's sound banking mandate. The Associate Director, Senior Risk Officer reviews portfolio projects, assigns credit ratings, and communicates portfolio trends and lessons learned to management for strategic decisions and stress-testing. They may lead, coach, and manage junior Credit Managers, analysts, and bankers, and deputize for the Director as needed.

Background

Risk Management is the Bank's second line of defense, responsible for independent risk identification, reporting, and mitigation. The Associate Director, Senior Risk Officer provides advice and recommendations to the Operations Committee and Small Business Investment Committee (SBIC), approving projects and addressing credit concerns to minimize losses.

Responsibilities

• Initiate risk-based analysis of proposed new EBRD countries of operation, including Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, and Senegal.
• Understand the operating environment, sectors, and market issues in these countries.
• Provide independent, unbiased assessments of projects proposed to the Operations Committee/SBIC, making clear recommendations or approvals.
• Serve as the risk expert for all CPF projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq, guiding operational decisions and project prioritization.
• Deliver clear conclusions within tight timescales, taking responsibility for the credit risk of designated portfolios.
• Manage new product approvals and ensure data feeds provide comprehensive understanding of risks in Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.
• Analyze key risks, advise on mitigation measures, review compliance issues, and appraise assumptions, including due diligence and travel.
• Ensure project compliance with risk guidelines, prudential limits, climate risk procedures, and appropriate risk ratings.
• Exercise delegated authority on portfolio actions, including waivers and restructuring, and advise senior management on higher-level approvals.
• Monitor portfolio counterparties, countries, and market developments; engage with banking teams to ensure effective monitoring and coaching.
• Lead sector portfolio input for stress tests and reviews, collaborating across departments.
• Participate in Bank committees and initiatives, promoting a strong credit culture and mentoring staff.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Experience with operating risks in Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq, and other emerging markets.
• Proven ability to manage risks in high-risk environments, with decision-making authority at a senior level.
• Influencing skills to challenge and guide banking team decisions.
• Extensive experience analyzing corporates and project finance structures, with knowledge of climate, country, and sovereign risks.
• Strong communication skills, proficiency in scorecards, models, and Excel.
• Advanced degree in finance, business, economics, or equivalent experience.
• People management skills for junior staff.
• Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is advantageous.

Please include a one-page cover letter outlining your experience in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach makes working at the EBRD a unique experience. You will be part of a diverse, international organization, using your talents to make a real difference in the regions we invest in.

We offer:

• Stimulating work with opportunities to collaborate across sectors and regions;
• An inclusive, diverse culture that values sustainability, equality, and digital transformation;
• An environment that promotes respect, equal opportunity, and flexible working arrangements.

Due to high application volume, we cannot provide detailed feedback to unsuccessful candidates.