Senior Advisor – Sustainable Finance and Global Cooperation

EDFI; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive compensation

International working environment

Job summary

EDFI, the Association of European Development Finance Institutions, seeks a Senior Advisor – Sustainable Finance and Global Cooperation based in Brussels. You will lead policy discussions, coordinate cross-cutting initiatives, and engage with EU bodies, OECD, and multilateral partners to advance sustainable finance agenda.

We value a strong academic background with 12+ years in development finance, experience with regulatory frameworks, and exceptional communication skills to build alliances

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in economics, finance, public policy, law, or related fields.
• Knowledge of development finance and financial regulations (regulators a plus).
• Familiarity with risk frameworks, blended finance, public-private roles in development finance.
• Experience with multilateral development banks and European institutions.
• Proven ability to manage cross-disciplinary projects and build alliances.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Multicultural team player; English fluency required; other languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Policy leadership: provide expert analysis, briefings for EDFI CEO and Board.
• Strategic coordination: lead task forces on sustainable finance regulations.
• Stakeholder engagement: foster partnerships with DFIs, EU bodies, and multilateral orgs.
• Content delivery: prepare policy briefs and external communications.
• Event coordination: oversee EDFI-hosted events and ensure strategic alignment.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multicultural teamwork

English fluency

Education

Advanced degree in economics/finance/public policy/law

Job description

Company details

EDFI: The Association of European Development Finance Institutions - www.edfi.eu - is seeking experienced development finance professionals to join its Secretariat team in Brussels. If selected, you will work with a young, ambitious, and dynamic team committed to shaping global development finance to drive sustainable impact.

Position:

Senior Advisor – Sustainable Finance and Global Cooperation

With at least 12 years of relevant professional experience

WHO WE ARE and WHAT WE DO

Established in 1992, EDFI brings together 15 bilateral European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) managing a combined portfolio of €53 billion, including over €15 billion dedicated to climate finance. In partnership with institutions like USDFC and FinDev Canada, EDFI supports and promotes impactful investments in developing countries.

Our mission is to enhance professional networks, inform policy, and drive innovation in industry standards. EDFI collaborates with key global partners, including Multilateral Development Banks, impact investors, EU institutions, and advocacy organizations.

With more than 3,500 professionals working across member and partner organizations, EDFI represents a powerful community committed to leveraging finance for climate action and reducing inequality. Together, we’ve invested in over 15,000 projects in developing countries.

Guided by the EDFI Strategy 2024–2027, we aim to:

1. Enhance the collective development impact and operational efficiency of EDFI members.
2. Strengthen European DFIs’ ability to mobilize institutional and private investors for impact-driven investments.
3. Intensify engagement with strategic partners, including the European Union.
4. Foster a resilient and future-ready EDFI membership network.

With Whom Will You Be Working?

The vacant positions are in the EDFI Secretariat, based in Brussels. The Secretariat team consists of a dynamic and diverse group of 10 professionals who operate in a cross-functional environment. The team has a strong external outlook and is closely connected to employees and the operations of our member organizations.

Working at the EDFI Association offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-level policy and advocacy work while maintaining close connections to the investments and strategies of the European DFIs in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies. This collaborative setup provides a supportive and stimulating professional environment for growth and impact.

Function

As Senior Advisor – Sustainable Finance and Global Cooperation, you will play a pivotal role in advancing EDFI’s strategic goals. Your responsibilities will span policy leadership, stakeholder engagement, and coordination of task forces, with a particular focus on:

• Advancing impact management, blended finance, and private capital mobilization.
• Shaping European sustainable finance regulations (e.g., Taxonomy, SFDR, CSRD) to align with development finance priorities.
• Representing EDFI in high-impact discussions with institutions like OECD, EU bodies, and global multilateral organizations.

Key responsibilities:

• Policy Leadership: Provide expert analysis, recommendations, and briefings on development finance and ESG topics for the EDFI CEO and Board.
• Strategic Coordination: Lead task forces to advance cooperation on sustainable finance regulations and related initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong partnerships with DFIs, EU institutions, and multilateral organizations; represent EDFI at events and panels.
• Content Delivery: Prepare high-quality policy briefs, event materials, and external communications.
• Event Coordination: Oversee EDFI-hosted events, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Profile

We are seeking a visionary professional with a strong academic background and at least 12 years of relevant experience. Ideal candidates will have expertise in impact investing, sustainable finance, and a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Specific Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in economics, finance, public policy, law, or related fields.
• Knowledge of development finance and financial regulations (experience with regulators is a plus).
• Familiarity with risk frameworks, blended finance, and public-private sector roles in development finance.
• Experience working with multilateral development banks and European institutions.
• Proven ability to manage cross-disciplinary projects and build collaborative alliances.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational skills, with an eye for detail and the ability to manage priorities effectively.
• Multicultural team player, sensitive to the diverse needs of EDFI’s members.
• Language: Fluency in English required; additional European languages are a plus.

Important Note:

• This position is based in Brussels. EDFI welcomes applications from candidates who hold a valid work permit for Belgium. If you currently reside outside Belgium, please be prepared to relocate to Brussels at your own expense.

Offer

• A dynamic and supportive international working environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with your qualifications.
• Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home or abroad part-time.
• The chance to shape global development finance and contribute to climate and sustainability goals.