Country Manager

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), established in 1956, is a multilateral development bank with a unique social mandate from its 43 member states. The CEB finances investment in social sectors, including education, health and affordable housing, with a focus on the needs of vulnerable people. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. As a multilateral bank with a triple-A credit rating, the CEB funds itself on the international capital markets. It approves projects according to strict social, environmental and governance criteria, and provides technical assistance.

The Loans & Social Development Directorate (L&D) cooperates closely with other CEB Directorates to develop the Bank's loan and grant operations, within the orientations of the CEB's Strategic Framework, and fulfil the CEB's distinctive social mandate. L&D develops relations with borrowers, identifies opportunities for financing social investments, manages key aspects of project appraisals, negotiates contracts, structures financial offers and monitors use of funds.

The Projects Division (L&D-DP) identifies, screens and coordinates the appraisal, financing and monitoring of bankable social investment projects by mobilising the requisite input and expertise to implement and achieve the objectives of the CEB Strategic Framework. L&D-DP ensures a first systematic screening of projects in terms of social added value, financial viability, credit risk and compliance.

Position Overview

The Projects Division in the Loans & Social Development Directorate is looking for a skilled Country Manager to implement the loan and project financing policy as well as blending operations with the EU and other multilateral institutions and contribute to the objectives of the Bank's Strategic Framework. Under the general guidance of the Head of Division and reporting to a Head of Unit, the successful candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of the economic, political and social environment in CEB member states, excellent analytical skills and strong communications skills to operate efficiently in a multicultural environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify opportunities for financing projects with a high social and environmental added value with existing or new borrowers.
• Analyse the relevant technical, managerial, financial, environmental and social aspects of projects.
• Coordinate preparation and implementation of projects: elaborate financing proposals; draft documents related to the preparation of projects for the CEB's internal committees; negotiate contracts and draft legal documentation; manage disbursements; coordinate with the Divisions and Units in charge of technical and financial monitoring of projects.
• Draft and present project reports for the attention of CEB's Administrative Council.
• Represent the CEB at events such as workshops and conferences related to CEB's sectors of activity and interest.
• Manage consultants as needed, including identification of needs, elaboration of terms of reference, coordination of the selection process, negotiation of contracts and monitoring of consultants' activities.
• Contribute to horizontal tasks related to the project cycle, or other duties related to activities of the Projects Division.

Profile

Academic background:

• A university degree in economics, social sciences or equivalent relevant discipline.

Professional background:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in banking, project financing or financial management.
• Very good understanding of financial statements, capital market, lending practices and budget processes.
• Proficient level of financial technical writing and strong familiarity with development banking.
• Direct experience in blending loans and grants as well as having worked in the field in one or more of CEB's 23 Target Group countries will be considered an asset.
• Excellent command of one of the two CEB official languages (English and French), both oral and written, and knowledge of the other.

Core competencies:

• Client Orientation
• Communication
• Result Orientation
• Team Work

Job Location

Employment Conditions:

• Initial 4-year appointment with the possibility of renewal.
• Monthly salary starts between 7,517.11 € and 9,275.67 €, plus allowances.

Recruitment Conditions

The CEB welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of CEB Member States.

Applications (CV and cover letter) from candidates should be made in English or French using the Bank's online application system before midnight Paris time on 12 January 2025.

General Information

Reference number: PE-