Project Development Officer

Focus Area: Economic DevelopmentLocation: MongoliaLength of Fellowship: Two Years
Written By Princeton in Asia

Host Organization: XacBank
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Focus Area: Economic Development
Number of Fellows: 1
Length of Fellowship: Two-Year

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

XacBank is a registered Mongolian commercial bank providing a wide range of financial services to individuals, micro-businesses, and small to medium-sized enterprises. The Eco Banking Department was founded in 2011 and represents the expansion of the Eco Products Unit, which began operations in 2009. The department is the first of its kind in the Mongolian financial sector and is the flagship of the “Planet” portion of XacBank’s triple-bottom-line mission of “People, Planet and Prosperity”. The Eco Banking Department is the leading supplier of competitive consumer and small and medium-sized enterprise loan products specifically designed to promote positive environmental impact, and works closely with international financial institutions to develop financial products for preserving the environment of Mongolia and combating the negative effects of climate change. XacBank has hosted PiA Fellows since 2008. The Fellow works as a Project Development Officer, assisting in operations management of existing projects, communicating with international organizations, partners, and donors, and developing and conducting due diligence on new projects for the Eco Banking Department.

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

The Project Development Officer will be tasked with assisting in operations management of existing projects, communicating with international organizations, partners, and donors, and developing and conducting due diligence on new projects for the Eco Banking Department.

The Eco Banking Department is the leading supplier of competitive consumer and small and medium-sized enterprise loan products specifically designed to promote positive environmental impact, and works closely with international financial institutions to develop financial products for preserving the environment of Mongolia and combating the negative effects of climate change.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Cooperate with other Eco Banking Department staff on management of daily operations relating to existing projects, including engaging in problem-solving to resolve operational roadblocks, prepare supporting documentation for project activities, and conduct analysis of potential operational strategies.

  • Research and prepare materials for bank staff, as needed, on green initiatives and other topics.

  • Organize trainings and workshops upon request for bank visitors and staff.

  • Assist the preparation of materials for the presentation of the status of relevant projects or lending facilities to management and respective directors.

  • Coordinate cooperation and establish good communications with international organizations and donors (e.g. the United Nations Development Program, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, etc.).

  • Coordinate cooperation and communication with domestic companies, NGOs, and individuals.

  • Participate in reporting for projects and lending facilities supported by international organizations.

  • Work closely with other department staff to seek out and implement new projects and initiatives, conduct analysis and due diligence on said potential projects, and prepare project development documents and supporting documentation for the presentation of new projects to Bank management.

  • Introduce and handover all projects and duties to the next Fellow.

A successful Fellow will effectively carry out the duties above with a good understanding of XacBank's climate finance activities and will be able to develop concepts for new climate change-related projects.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND OR INTERESTS THAT ARE DESIRED/REQUIRED FOR THE FELLOWSHIP POSITION: 

Relevant coursework in finance and economics.

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

  • Demonstrated analytical skills;

  • Strong written and oral communication;

  • Strong planning skills and attention to detail;

  • Efficient, results-oriented work style;

  • Ability to work in a cross-cultural team environment.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

  • Interest and experience in banking, finance, or microfinance;

  • Interest and experience in environmental work, renewable energy, or energy efficiency.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS: 

The PiA Fellow should be curious, diligent, proactive, efficient, and demonstrate strong attention to detail.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

  • Phone and accommodation included in monthly stipend.

  • Work computer provided for duration of fellowship.

Princeton in Asia
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