Job: Senior Adviser, Government Relations

Location: Moscow
Closing Date: Thursday, 26 December 2013

Senior Adviser, Government Relations

Ref 60007713 Country Russia City Moscow Department Banking Business Unit Banking Department Closing date for applications 26 December 2013Role Overview In light of the significant share and importance of Russia in the Bank's activity, and increased emphasis on policy dialogue both at federal and regional level there is an on-going need to build and maintain strong relations with federal and regional government officials at all levels, monitor changes in government composition and policies, assist the sector teams and OCE to engage with the relevant counterparties to promote sector reform, support the regional heads in their efforts to strength relations with authorities and various business associations. Furthermore, with the launch of the Russian TC fund there is a need to liaise with the authorities with regard to the programme implementation and ensure the priorities agreed with the Russian authorities with regard to the fund are followed as projects are being prepared by banking teams. Key Responsibilities and Deliverables Support to MD Russia, Director for Regional Development, Sector Directors and Heads of Regional Offices in developing relations with federal and regional authorities

• Lead the development of the Bank's relations with relevant authorities, business associations, think tanks and expert community;
• monitor changes in the composition of various federal and regional bodes and identify the most appropriate counterparties for the Bank;
• liaise with the Political Counsellor in HQ and provide input on political developments in the country and regions that could impact EBRD business activities.

Support policy dialogue efforts, focused on general investment climate issues and specific sector reform, at the federal and regional level

• Work with sector teams, legal transition team and economists on developing key areas of policy dialogue identified in the Strategy for the Russian Federation and sector strategies.
• Identify most appropriate counterparty and best approach to ensure engagement and impact of the Bank's efforts;
• follow the main policy initiatives, substance of the debate and position/ messages adopted by the Bank and identify opportunities to re-enforce the agreed messages;
• broaden policy dialogue involving a wider range of Russian ministries and agencies, legislative bodies and regional and local authorities and other relevant organisations, including through active involvement in working groups, expert councils and conferences as necessary;
• develop contacts with various business and trade associations and local think-tanks to underpin policy dialogue;
• contribute to Country Strategy, Business Plan and other internal documents and discussions on the Bank's priorities and impact with regard to Policy Dialogue.
• Manage the programme of official meetings for senior level visits.Develop the programme of senior level visits in co-ordination with MD and Sector Directors and take responsibility for the preparation of meetings to ensure the highest possible level of communication with Russian authorities;
• co-ordinate activities and resources engaged in the preparation of the Board consultation visits;
• ensure senior management and BCV participants are comprehensively briefed with regard to all key aspects of the relationship and policy issues ahead of meetings with federal and regional officials.

Engage with the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Finance in implementing the programme agreed under the Russia TC Fund

• Liaise with the authorities with regard to the programme implementation and engage with the various sector teams to ensure the priorities agreed with the Russian authorities with regard to the Russia TC fund are followed.

Review and provide feedback on integrity and reputation of Bank counterparties as necessary

Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in government relations and economic policy from a leading think tank, commercial bank or company, business association or public entity.
• Extensive working experience in Russia and knowledge of the political and business environment in the region is a key requirement.
• Ability to articulate policy issues and communicate at a senior level,
• Computer literacy is a pre-requisite.
• Sound understanding of the business, policy and integrity principles that underpin the Bank's operations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Russian
• Good relevant degree from a leading university in the country of education

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Integrity and Team Working - Ability to operate consistently within business guidelines and ethics and work sensitively in multicultural environments, building effective working relations with clients and colleagues to deliver the objectives of the team and the wider Bank.
• Planning & Organising - Self-motivated, ability to work to and meet tight deadlines and to plan and organise work unsupervised in a logical and efficient manner.
• Communication Skills - Ability to communicate appropriate, concise and accurate information in verbal and written formats, appropriate to the audience at the time and confidence in handling senior officials of government and regulatory bodies.
• Analysis and Problem Solving - Ability to tackle issues and problems in a logical and practical manner.
• Influence and Persuasion - Uses tact and diplomacy; demonstrates the ability to represent the organisation effectively, is patient and persistent and able to represent the interests of the parties involved. Is able to listen effectively, to shape the conversation and build convincing arguments for the optimal course of action. Brings people around to his/her way of thinking.
• Strategic Thinking - Ability to formulate strategies and approaches to clarify and achieve the vision and objectives of the Bank.
• Flexible in working hours and willingness to travel to and work in EBRD countries of operation

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.

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