Head of Regional Programme, Russian Federation recruitment
Role Overview
The EBRD Small Business Support Team (www.ebrd.com/workingwithus/smallbusinesssupport) is comprised of the Enterprise Growth Programme (EGP) and Business Advisory Services (BAS), and is an integral part of the Industry, Commerce and Agribusiness Business Group in the Banking Department. EGP and BAS are complementary programmes which aim to strengthen local private enterprises, utilising Donor funds. The EGP assists enterprises to improve their operations in preparation for further growth and investment. BAS provides support to the local consultancy sector to enable local consultants to better serve the needs of SMEs. Both BAS and EGP engage directly with individual enterprises, providing industry-specific advice. Areas of assistance include restructuring of the business, improving its products, reducing operating costs, advising on local and export markets, meeting quality standards, and helping to develop business planning skills at management level.
The Head of Regional programme (HRP) for SBS in the Russian Federation will be responsible for the overall management of BAS and EGP activities in the Southern Federal District (Rostov), Ural Federal District (Yekaterinburg), Siberian Federal District (Krasnoyarsk), and Far East Federal District (Vladivostok). This includes directing and managing the programme operations in accordance with the team's 2011-15 Strategic Plan, the BAS Annual Operational Plan and the Russia Country Strategy. The HRP will be reporting to the Director, Small Business Support Team ("the Director") and work in close cooperation with the Managers of BAS and EGP, facilitating greater links between the EGP and BAS projects in the country. The HRP will also work closely with the Head of Regional Development, Heads of Regional Offices and bankers in the Russia Business Group.
The position is based in the Yekaterinburg Resident Office in the Russian Federation and a successful candidate will spend some time in London HQ after joining the Bank.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
Overall Management
- Build up and expand efficient network of BAS and EGP programmes and activities in the target regions of the Russian Federation.
- Essential to the programme's success - give particular priority to the building and maintenance of effective working relationships with federal and local authorities, Vneschekonombank (VEB), OPORO, and other stakeholders, to strengthen support for SBS Programmes.
- Responsibile for field staff appointments in each region; lead the recruitment process to identify and recommend qualified candidates for appointment for both BAS and EGP.
- Oversee and carry out effective and viable visibility and business development activities in each region through regular business trips.
- Identify policy issues impeding the growth and success of SMEs. and with the support of the relevant departments within the Bank bring them to the attention of relevant Russian authorities in order to facilitate changes in regulation, policy and administrative practices to create a more conducive business environment for SMEs.
- Advise the Director of issues which may impact the development of SBS Programmes in the country, and recommend appropriate course of action to ensure the programmes meet their objectives with good results.
- Provide input from the country and regional perspective to SBS Programmes' strategic and operational planning. Analyse, draw conclusions and disseminate constructive feedback from project outcomes across the country.
- Work closely with RO colleagues and HQ teams to facilitate SME access to finance and to identify potential Bank clients and assist such companies to become creditworthy.
- Develop innovative methods and tools to identify and implement projects and/or market development activities to encourage participation of SMEs in the formal business sector.
BAS and EGP
- Actively contribute to annual operations plans, including a grant matrix.
- Oversee the selection of BAS projects and market development activities to ensure all projects meet specific BAS guidelines.
- Assess capabilities and select locally based business consultants to establish a network of qualified experts in relevant disciplines.
- Manage the staff working in the Programme, whether retained on EBRD contracts or consultancy contracts.
- Facilitate EGP projects in the country, and take overall responsibility for generating a strong pipeline of companies potentially suitable for EGP projects.
- With support of Project Specialists in regions, oversee the field work of EGP Advisors when on assignments.
- Utilise the skills of EGP Advisors or Specialists in training seminars and other dissemination activities.
- Identify opportunities for Sector Development Activities to share experience from successful projects.
Skills, Experience and Qualification
- Strong academic background with relevant degree from a leading university in the country of education (business administration, economics or finance)
- Proven track record of being able to coorperate and communicate effectively with wide variety of partners including senior government officials, top management of enterprises (from very small to medium-sized), local consultants and international senior advisors, bankers, the international donor community, and local media.
- Minimum of 10 years relevant experience gained within an IFI / international donor organisations, consultancy or multinational commercial or non-profit corporation.
- Knowledge of donor organisations and demonstrated track record in donor fund mobilisation.
- Proven track record of field project management in the region, including operational and management responsibility at senior level.
- Demonstrable experience in the selection and supervision of external consultants, and in the evaluation of the cost and competence of the consultants' work.
- Proven strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data for use in operational planning.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate and ability to identity and apply EBRD transition impact indicators
- Proven track record of successful project and or programme management of comparative programmes in the Russian Federation
- Computer literate: Windows XP; excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel; Outlook; Word; Knowledge of SAP accounting system, TCS and Microsoft Access desirable; ability to learn new systems quickly
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian.
Competencies and Personal Attributes
- Leadership - The willingness and ability to lead, guide and motivate others towards a common goal. The ability to energise and enable others to a common vision.
- Organisational Awareness - The ability to understand the formal and informal structure of the company, its culture and business environment, the identification and utilisation of information and resources
- Influence and Persuasion - The ability to convince others to own point of view, to gain acceptance, support and commitment. Excellent communicator with diplomatic skills and the ability to interact as a respected counterpart with a wide variety of people at high level, both inside and outside the Bank at Government, stakeholder, and business level.
- People Management Teamwork - guides and motivates a team both locally and remotely, is able to set clear goals and take responsibility for team performance. Sets clear performance standards for others and guides them towards achievement. Consistently demonstrates behaviour which encourages people to openly discuss their ideas, views and challenges
- Customer Focus - proactively identifies and meets clients' and colleagues' needs and expectations, anticipates clients' issues beyond own specific area and seeks other's involvement as appropriate. Abi...