The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its Advisory Services Department in the Strategy, Policy and Coordination Division at its headquarters in Luxembourg, a:

EDIF Adviser

Appointment will be made on the basis of a fixed contract of 2 years, with the possibility of extension, subject to continued business need

Purpose

The Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (EDIF) is a partnership between the European Commission and partner financial institutions (EBRD, EIB, OECD, WB), launched in December 2012.   It aims at promoting the emergence and growth of innovative and high-potential companies in the Western Balkans, as well as the creation of a regional Venture Capital market. 

The three EDIF financial Pillars (Enterprise Innovation Fund; Enterprise Expansion Fund; Guarantee Facility) are supported by an advisory / technical assistance facility (the Support Services Pillar) which delivers via the partner financial institutions i.a. advisory assistance to public authorities and to other possible EDIF beneficiaries for the identification and implementation of regulatory reforms, support to the financial sector and to financial intermediaries and support to individual companies and business organisations. The EIB has been appointed by the European Commission and the EDIF Platform Advisory Group as manager and coordinator of the EDIF’s Support Services Pillar. In this context, the EDIF Adviser will manage and deliver the work program agreed with the European Commission.

Operating Network

In addition to extensive external networks with the European Commission, partner institutions and beneficiaries, the EDIF Adviser will work in close cooperation with the relevant services of the EIB, in particular the Operations Directorate.

Specific Post Environment

Working in a team of professionals and reporting to the Head of the Strategy, Policy and Coordination Division, the EDIF Adviser will deliver the agreed work programme within the Support Services Pillar, in close coordination with the other implementing organisations, the European Commission and the beneficiary countries of the Western Balkans.

Accountabilities

It is expected that the selected candidate will:

• Play a major role in the management, coordination and administration of the Support Services Pillar, ensuring alignment with the agreed objectives vis-à-vis the partner institutions and the other EDIF stakeholders
• Monitor and report on approved advisory and technical assistance actions, identify delivery gaps and proactively present proposals to the relevant working groups and the EDIF Platform Advisory Group
• Provide relevant input, in coordination with the other implementing organisations, to the general strategic orientation of the Support Services Pillar and of the EDIF Platform as a whole
• Act as secretariat of the official working group of the Support Services Pillar, organise and facilitate the meetings and follow up on implementation of agreed actions
• Engage in the direct or indirect (via consultants) delivery of advisory and technical assistance actions in support of the other EDIF activities
• Procure, coordinate and supervise external consultants where appropriate
• Continuously liaise with the partner institutions, the EC and the beneficiary countries on matters related to the Support Services Pillar
• Ensure constant information flow between the various implementing organisations, the managers of the other EDIF pillars, the beneficiary countries and other relevant stakeholders
• Develop and maintain a network of partners and beneficiaries of the EDIF Support Services Pillar in the Western Balkans

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field, such as, finance, economics, engineering, law or business administration
• Relevant professional experience of at least 5 years, preferably gained in a similar role of strategy management or policy advisory with an international or governmental organisation
• Understanding of the institutional and political framework in which the Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility operates
• Experience in managing and supervising external consultants
• Expertise in one of the areas in which EDIF operates (venture capital, SME finance) would be an advantage
• Sound knowledge of MS Office Tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent knowledge of English and/or French (*), with a good knowledge of the other. Knowledge of one or more languages of the Western Balkans would be an advantage. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an advantage.
• Availability to travel 

Competencies

•  Analysis and problem solving: breaks down and analyses information effectively; identifies the causes of problems and proposes realistic and practical solutions to address them
•  Judgement and decision making: exercises good judgement in making decisions, considering all the available sources of information and alternatives; expresses clear and rational reasons for taking a decision
•  Strategic thinking: formulates strategies and approaches to clarify and achieve the vision and objectives of the business
•  Proactive communication: actively keeps people informed and openly communicates relevant information to others; listens well and takes others’ views and perspectives into consideration
•  Written communication: communicates information in a written format in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner; structures the communication so that it holds the attention of the reader
•  Negotiation: recognises the goals and objectives of different parties; negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations
• Developing relationships: easily establishes and develops effective and positive professional relationships with others
• Facilitating teamwork: encourages teamwork by bringing individuals and groups together to achieve goals and objectives
• Drive and persistence: demonstrates resilience when faced with setbacks; shows tenacity and continues to strive to reach goals, despite obstacles
• Initiative: seeks out and acts on opportunities without being prompted by others; demonstrates a proactive approach

(*) There may be certain flexibility on this requirement, but limited to particularly suitable candidates who may not yet be proficient in one of the two languages. If selected, such candidates will be hired on the condition that they build up rapidly knowledge of the relevant language and accept that their future career in the EIB may be subject to the attainment of sufficient proficiency in both of the Bank’s working languages

Deadline for applications: 24th March 2015

We believe that Diversity is good for our people and our business. We promote and value diversity and inclusion among our staff and candidates; irrespective of their gender, age, nationality, race, culture, education and experience, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.