Principal Banker, SME F&D

Requisition ID 36773

Office Country: Nigeria

Office City: Lagos

Division: Banking

Countries of Operations

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Contract Length: 3 years

Posting End Date: 10/06/2026

As this role involves collaboration with international teams, we kindly ask that you submit your resume in English.

Purpose of Job

The Principal Banker is competent in undertaking all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of, project development and implementation, including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring, for all types of investment instruments offered by the Bank. The Principal Banker will act both as a senior member of a project team or as an operation leader (typically on less complex transactions than an Associate Director, Senior Banker). The Principal Banker, in their role as an operation leader, is expected to take responsibility for effective leadership of their project team/s, supervision of junior banking staff, while contributing to their coaching and providing mentoring assistance, as required. The Principal Banker’s role also includes elements of business/pipeline development, client management and policy dialogue. This position sits within the SME Finance & Development (F&D) Group, also reporting to country management.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Structuring and Execution

Work as a senior project team member with more experienced operation leaders on complex transactions, contributing to all aspects of project structuring and execution, including supporting the operation leader with the management of the project team;
As an operation leader: Lead structuring, negotiation (including review of legal documentation) and the execution of transactions, working with clients, authorities, consultants and internal units;
Manage the resources and the work load of the project teams under their supervision;
Oversee the project due diligence process ensuring it meets the Bank’s standards;
Ensure quality and appropriateness of TC assistance components which support the investments or contribute to policy dialogue initiatives;
Ensure that all transactions within their responsibility are completed within the specified time frames to a high standard (including all internal memoranda and Board reports) and in line with the policies, procedures and objectives of the Bank.

Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

As a senior project team member perform all such tasks as may be assigned by the operation leader and provide constructive portfolio monitoring advice, guidance and supervision to more junior members of the project team.
As an operation leader: Take overall responsibility for the effective monitoring of all projects within their responsibility, including verifying the quality of regular monitoring reports; taking the lead in maintaining or supervising the management of client relationships; actively managing the resolution of any implementation/monitoring issues in cooperation with relevant Portfolio Managers; managing and supervising more junior bankers who assist in portfolio monitoring;
Supervise implementation and monitoring of, and reporting on, relevant TC assignments to ensure their compliance with donor reporting requirements, operational objectives and that all reports are of a high quality;
Take responsibility for ensuring timely notification of any critical portfolio issues to the relevant Portfolio Manager and/or Management, ensuring availability of adequate data and information for the Portfolio Manager and/or Management to be able to take timely decisions.

Policy Dialogue

In cooperation with relevant units within the Bank (e.g., Policy VP, OCE) and Banking country teams (if applicable), contribute to policy dialogue, in a leading role (project level initiatives) or supporting function (national level initiatives);
Assist in providing necessary support, in the form of relevant information or documentation or meeting participation, towards efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds to complement investment projects or required as part of policy dialogue efforts.

Business Development

Assist with marketing and business development efforts, working closely with sector and advisory teams, to build reputable market contacts in order to develop a broad deal flow and cross selling of the Bank’s competencies;
Assist with the critical screening of project proposal flow that is generated through business development efforts, liaising with other colleagues and teams within the Bank to identify sound and executable investments that meet the mandate of the Bank.

Staff Management

Assist in recruiting, training, coaching and mentoring junior bankers, in coordination with the team Director and Associate Directors, Senior Bankers, involving them in all aspects of the project cycle (appraisal, execution, implementation, monitoring and business development), ensuring adequate quality of project work and appropriate work load distribution amongst the project team members; contribute to their professional and competency development;
Develop productive relationships within the organisation to able to work effectively in a country/sector matrix structure and in a multi-cultural working environment.
Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of the Team including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and development. Where matrix reporting is in place, work jointly with the country counterpart when setting objectives and completing performance appraisals for relevant staff.
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.

The responsibilities of the Principal Banker are designed to allow for the development of transaction expertise and expansion of responsibilities, leading to assuming the role of Senior Banker.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

Qualifications and Skills:

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.
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.
Stakeholder management skills.
Coaching, mentoring & leadership skills.
Relationship management and negotiation skills.
Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Good command over the local/country language is an advantage.

Experience & Knowledge:

Significant relevant financial industry experience from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards.
Practical experience of participating in and leading complex transactions through the full project life cycle.
Strong understanding of the Nigerian and wider West African market, underpinned by hands-on experience in the banking and financial services sector, with a deep appreciation and understanding of local dynamics and trends.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in.
A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).