As (Associate) Investment Officer, you will carry out EIB microfinance lending and equity operations, primarily in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) region and in other regions, EU Neighbouring countries, Latin and Central America or Asia. You will take responsibility for the operations identification, origination, appraisal, negotiation, approval, and follow-up. You will provide inputs to the strategic developments of the EIB microfinance and impact finance operations in the assigned regions, in line with the relevant objectives and guidelines. The geographical scope might be adapted in function of the requirements of the team objectives and available mandates.
Operating Network:
You will report to the Head of Microfinance Unit, under the supervision of Head of Division, and will cooperate closely with colleagues working in the Division, as well as colleagues working in other GLO Divisions and Departments, including those in the external offices, and with colleagues in other Directorates.
Accountabilities:
Origination process:
Track developments and monitor the target markets and the microfinance activities in general.
Develop and maintain a network of borrowers and financial institutions (in particular microfinance institutions), microfinance investment vehicles, and other relevant counterparts (such as EU and international financial institutions).
Screen proposals and identify lending and equity opportunities that best meet the business plan objectives.
Evaluate, at an early stage, the quality of potential microfinance operations and their chance of success, by consulting, where appropriate, with the relevant services.
Approval process:
Carry out due diligences on operations (travels in the relevant regions are required).
Lead and coordinate the transaction process (both the internal approval and negotiations with the client) on selected operations, in cooperation with other EIB Directorates.
Structure loan and equity proposals, evaluate their feasibility, analyze the project and financial risks, draft reports, and proposals in cooperation with colleagues, as required. Undertake financial analysis, including financial modelling.
Negotiation of contracts:
Lead the negotiation of legal and other project documentation with the promoters and counterparts in coordination with other EIB Directorates.
Disbursement and monitoring:
Lead the disbursement process and fulfilment of conditions in coordination with the relevant EIB teams.
Follow up developments of the project and/or counterpart. In the event of any contractual modifications, conduct negotiations in liaison with other EIB Directorates in order to maintain the quality of the portfolio and ensure the effective implementation of the financed projects.
Optimization of operating tools and working methods:
Innovate and suggest improvements to existing tools, systems, and products in response to changes in the operational framework.
Ensure correct input of data concerning own area of activity into the management information system in order to contribute to the continuous improvement of working methods and product developments.
Provide inputs in the strategic developments of EIB microfinance operations in the assigned countries, including the implementation of new microfinance facilities.
Value added, cost management and return on operations:
Ensure the quality and overall value added of operations.
Make sure that the financial terms set by the Bank match the risk profile and the type of operation, in order to protect the Bank's interest, ensure that operations are as cost efficient as possible in the given context and cover the risk on an overall basis.
Horizontal accountabilities:
Manage and/or participate in organisation-wide initiatives, representing the unit/division. Manage and/or participate in GLO directorate-wide initiatives, representing the unit/division.
Participate in groups of experts or in horizontal initiatives, sharing knowledge, experience, skills, and best practices across the Directorate and in the Bank.
Qualifications:
University degree preferably in Finance/Economics or a business-related discipline.
Minimum of 3 years' experience in a lending and/or equity environment (in the banking or financial sector). Good knowledge of financial analysis, as well as proven experience in risk assessment and financial modelling.
Experience in development finance, microfinance and/or impact finance are an advantage.
Knowledge of standard computer tools and lending applications.
Excellent knowledge of English. A good command of French(*) or another language would be an asset.
