Associate, Assurance Testing (Project Integrity)

Purpose of Job

The Associate will have primary responsibility for conducting and proposing enhancements to assurance testing of the First Line of Defences compliance with Project Integritys procedures and guidelines by executing risk-based monitoring and testing plans identifying weaknesses in the First Line of Defences application of Integrity Due Diligence requirements and producing clear assurance reports and action plans for remediation. The Associate will also provide ad hoc assistance to Project Integrity Principals and Associate Directors on integrity and reputational risk assessments in EBRD projects.

Background

The mission of the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) is to protect the integrity and reputation of the Bank to promote ethical standards of behaviour and to strengthen the Banks accountability and transparency. OCCO assists in identifying assessing and monitoring integrity risks arising from failure to comply with the Banks standards and policies and contributes in an independent manner to the Banks effective management of integrity risks. The Project Integrity team is one of the specialist Second Line of Defence functions in the investment process with a thematic focus on bribery and corruption money laundering/terrorism financing and sanctions.

The Associate will contribute to the further development of assurance testing and related KRIs for other (non-Project Integrity) compliance activities working closely with OCCOs Knowledge & Transformation Management function the OCCO Operational Risk representative and other stakeholders as required to enhance controls and help implement remedial actions.

The Associate will work under the general direction of the Associate Director Head of Capital Markets and Conflicts.

Facts / Scale

Assurance testing is expected to comprise 60-70% of the role. The primary focus of such assurance testing will be Project Integrity related but the Associate is also expected to become the subject matter expert for assurance testing of all OCCO related activities.

General support for other Project Integrity related activities is expected to comprise 30-40% of the role.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Assurance Testing:

• Conduct assurance testing of projects applying risk-based sampling methodology to verify compliance with applicable requirements with particular attention to the identification of party roles and relationships to ensure completeness and proportionality of screening requests
• Design and execute risk-based monitoring and testing plans document test work produce clear assurance reports identify procedural or systems-based weaknesses observed during assurance testing and oversee action plans for remediation
• Recommend track and monitor process improvements/corrective actions and track remediation to ensure timely implementation and closure and address emerging risks
• Conduct periodic (e.g. quarterly/bi-annual) configuration reviews and attestations to ensure settings of the key systems used remain aligned with approved thresholds and the Banks risk appetite
• Collaborate with Screening and Project Integrity teams to refine sampling methodology and testing focus areas
• Collaborate with Knowledge Management & Transformation function to reflect lessons learned/remediation action points in the necessary materials (e.g. policies guidance training materials) and to develop trend analysis and other knowledge products
• Proactively identify areas of potential compliance weakness and propose new monitoring and testing plans as required
• Assist in the tracking of other departmental compliance-related deliverables including tracking of Operational Risk issues Key Risk Indicators and open internal audit actions

General Project Integrity Support:

• Assist in integrity assessments and due diligence reviews for complex transactions
• Assist in training and guidance to Banking teams on integrity standards and IDD requirements
• Support capacity building initiatives in terms of logistics preparation and delivery

Knowledge Skills Experience & Qualifications

• A degree preferably in finance law compliance or related field or equivalent experience
• Professional experience in banking legal compliance auditing or risk management with demonstrated analytical capabilities
• Experience with systematic review processes quality assurance or second line of defence functions (with a demonstrated ability to take a risk-based approach) preferred
• Understanding of integrity due diligence anti-money laundering and compliance frameworks
• Strong proficiency with data analysis and documentation review tools
• Experience with AI-supported analytical processes would be advantageous
• Knowledge of EBRD regions would be beneficial
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to identify patterns trends and material omissions across large volumes of documentation
• High integrity and discretion with ability to provide objective independent assessments
• Strong written communication skills for producing clear concise findings and recommendations
• Ability to work systematically under tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards
• Good negotiation and diplomatic skills for engaging with Banking teams.
• Attracted to the mission of the Bank and its multicultural environment
• A flexible approach and willingness to become involved in new department-wide initiatives as and when required
• Demonstrated strong analytical capabilities systematic approach to quality assurance and excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team objectives.
• Experience with technology-supported review processes.

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 peoples 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 Banks 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).