Associate PPP Advisory Unit

European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

Purpose of Job

The Associate supports on the delivery of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project preparation in the Eurasia region, known within the EBRD as Infrastructure Eurasia.  The PPP projects are prepared to the benefit of the Bank's public sector clients.

The purpose of the job is to assist the Associate Director or Principal (depending on the Operational Leader (OL) in each project) in managing the advisory mandates for the preparation of PPP projects and support in different PPP-related policies in this region.

The Associate will work in the process of evaluation of proposals presented by public sector clients, approval by the parties, support in the selection of external consultants, monitor the consultants' work together with the public sector clients benefitting from EBRD's support and, in general, contribute to the projects' preparation with PPP knowledge and expertise.

The Associate will directly manage the communications with the consultants working in the preparation of infrastructure projects and ensure compliance with the contractual terms of the mandate and the scope of work agreed with consultants.

In fulfilling these objectives, the Associate will liaise with the EBRD internal and external stakeholders including several public stakeholders as requested by the Line Manager. The Associate will manage workloads to ensure all the PPP projects under preparation are delivered as per plan and with the required quality.

The PPP Advisory Unit provides advisory support to public sector clients in the preparation of infrastructure PPPs from planning stage, conceptualisation, government approvals, support to the grantor during the tender and award of the PPP contract until financial close.

The team is transactions oriented and less focused on policy and capacity building; however, some policy related activities are also needed depending on the project under preparation. Most of the projects are in transport, social infrastructure and utilities sectors, there is also a significant portfolio of social and environmental infrastructure. In the Eurasia region, there are currently several projects in social infrastructure.

The advisory is provided to public sector clients in cost recoverable basis which requires raising funding from donors and seek reimbursement of such funding at closure.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The Associate will be familiar and compliant with the Contribution Agreement between EBRD and the public client as well as the Concept Note, which defines the procedures to assess, approve and undertake new projects for internal approval. 

The following will be part of the responsibilities of the successful candidate:

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Assist the Line Manager in overseeing the region's pipeline;

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As a team member with the OL, communicate on daily basis with the Public Client on the development of projects under preparation

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Prepare concept notes for projects, Terms of Reference for the external consultants and seek approval from the OL;

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Lead and coordinate with the EBRD Procurement Department in the selection of consultants, signing of advisory contracts and mobilisation

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On a daily basis manage consultants working on the preparation of projects;

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Coordinate with the EBRD PPP Advisory Unit for results-oriented outcomes ensuring consistency and meeting conditions under the approvals of the Contribution Agreement.

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With support from the EBRD PPP Advisory Unit and under the supervision of the Line Manager, work with public clients on the review and assessment of potential PPP projects that are under preparation separately. This may include review of:

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feasibility studies and PPP structuring documents of a project

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tender documents and agreements of the project

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evaluation reports

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execution version of the project's agreements

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financing agreements

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As requested by the OL provide input into the design and development of projects in coordination with different stakeholders, including the private sector, and potential foreign investors

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Develop and process technical co-operation requests including preparation of terms of reference and internal approval documentation

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Monitor implementation and results for all projects that are under the responsibility of the Line Manager and flag potential risks and address the concerns, if any, to the OL as necessary;

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Manage, monitor and ensure the deliverable submission schedule in close supervision of the ongoing assignments;

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Assist the OL in ensuring that all relevant deliverables, procurements and project documents meet EBRD Environmental and Social policies;

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Prepare required reporting to the public client and seek approval from the Line Manager;

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As requested by the Line Manager, prepare periodic and ad-hoc reports for internal and external stakeholders, and presentation materials;  

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Coordinate visibility of the donors and ensure the projects supported by them are implemented in line with the relevant visibility action plans agreed;

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Liaise and coordinate commercial activities including scheduling the internal and external meetings, inbound and outbound visits and other corporate events as necessary; 

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Prepare and distribute minutes of important meetings;

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Overtime, take ownership of projects and eventually be able to act as OL for up to three projects under the supervision of the Associate Director, Head of PPP Advisory.

Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge

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Proven experience in PPPs including advisory on PPP transactions and a clear understanding of the infrastructure lifecycle. At least three years of recent and meaningful experience on PPPs

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A demonstrated track record of project-based experience in the infrastructure sector (especially roads, rail, municipal utilities, urban transport, social infrastructure).

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Exposure to private sector and experience in the financial sector, working with banks and/or large advisory firms would be an advantage

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Master degree in the country of education

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Proven project management skills including ability to manage a project team throughout the infrastructure project cycle, sound decision making skills and problem resolution ensuring adherence to established procedures for project approvals and management

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Excellent organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail

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Proficient in Russian or Uzbek and English

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Ability to communicate effectively (informing, presenting, advising, negotiating) at different levels within the organisation as well as with external stakeholders in Central Asia.

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Ability to prioritise and make suggestions to the Line Manager to fulfil the team's objectives;

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Previous experience of structuring and managing technical assistance / donor funds (or similar) is an advantage. In particular, previous experience working for an International Finance Institution on infrastructure policy.

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Excellent written (report writing, correspondence) and verbal communication skills

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Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic skills

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Proven, strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data

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Computer literate

What is it like to work at the 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. 

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;
- An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank's core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. 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, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

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).

Right to Work in the UK: Swiss nationals (and all other non-UK employees) can work in the UK without a Visa - working at the EBRD gives all employees "exempt status". The Bank however encourages all non-UK employees to obtain an Exempt Vignette (EV) prior to relocating to the UK, as without an EV you may face more questions at Border Control and when required to show evidence of their exempt status when renting accommodation under the Right to Rent legislation. The application process may take 3 – 4 weeks approx. outside of the UK. 

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Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

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