Head of Division, Financial Engineering and Assistance to SME's at ECOWAS Bank

Job Summary

• Reporting to the Director of Private Sector Operations, the successful candidate will assist in implementing and following up on the programme of action for the promotion and financing of SME’s in ECOWAS.

Duties

• Prepare and implement measures to promote the development of SME’s through specialized financial institutions;
• Identify SME’s that are likely to contribute to the sub-regional integration strategy and implement appropriate plans of action;
• Design and implement financing mechanisms adapted to the needs of SMEs, especially lines of credit to specialized institutions;
• Analyze feasibility studies of regional projects submitted by borrowers;
• Supervise loan agreements, provide advice and supervise activities relating to the award of contracts carried out by borrowers;
• Assess the constraints and difficulties and make proposals on access of SMEs to the commercial loans of the Bank;
• Supervise and monitor all activities relating to the promotion and financing of SMEs;
• Perform other duties assigned by Supervisors and Management.

Required Profile

• Master's Degree or its equivalent in Management or Financial Engineering, Accounting from a recognized university or tertiary institution.
• Minimum of ten (10) years professional experience in the promotion of SMEs. Experience acquired in a consultancy firm or at a bank will be an advantage
• Sound knowledge of SME operations including the technical and administrative environment in ECOWAS Member States;
• Experience in preparing documents relating to bankable projects, in line with international standards with a view to securing funding from international financial institutions;
• Familiarity with preparation of dossiers relating to commitments and good knowledge of financial products for SMEs;
• Ability to manage a team in a multicultural environment; sound communication skills, ability to impart knowledge, delegate duties and responsibilities, supervise and take decisions;
• Capacity for analysis and synthesis, sense of organization and ability to work as member of a team.
• Good physical condition to be able to participate in field missions.

General Requirements
Candidates must:

• Be citizens of ECOWAS Member States;
• Not be above 45 years of age;
• Be computer literate (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint)
• Be fluent in French and/or English and/or Portuguese, and proficient in one of the other two languages.