Associate Water Sector Specialist - based in Luxembourg

European Investment Bank (EIB); Helsinki; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

International work environment

Job summary

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is recruiting for its Projects Directorate, Energy and Environment Department, Water Division, for an Associate Water Sector Specialist role at its Luxembourg headquarters. The role supports project appraisal, monitoring, and technical analysis of water and sanitation investments across the EU and beyond.

This three-year, full-time appointment offers relocation support and the chance to develop expertise within an international team working on climate-resilient

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Economics or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in water, wastewater or related sectors.
• Ability and willingness to travel outside the EU.
• Excellent knowledge of English and/or French with good command of the other.
• Knowledge of additional EU languages is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Identify and screen new water and sanitation projects inside and outside the EU.
• Assess technical and environmental sustainability and socio-economic relevance.
• Contribute to project appraisal and monitoring according to EIB standards.
• Prepare input on investment proposals and coordinate with external consultants.
• Engage with EC counterparts and other financial institutions for project development.
• Participate in missions and meetings inside and outside the EU with travel.

Skills

English proficiency

French proficiency

Analytical ability

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Economics

Job description

This position is based at our Luxembourg headquarters and requires regular office presence. The EIB offers you the opportunity to live and work in a truly international and multi-cultural environment. We also offer relocation support.

The EIB, the European Union's bank is seeking to recruit for its Projects Directorate (PJ) - Energy and Environment Department (E2D) - Water Division (WATER), at its headquarters in Luxembourg, an Associate Water Sector Specialist *. This is a full-time position at grade 4.

The term of this contract will be 3 years.

• internal benchmark : Analyst Sector Economist
  
  

Panel interviews are anticipated for December 2026.

Purpose

Join the EIB’s Water Division and contribute to projects that improve access to safe, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation services. In this role, you will support the appraisal and monitoring of investments inside and outsie the EU, helping ensure that projects deliver lasting value for communities, the environment and the wider economy. Working closely with experienced specialists, you will develop your expertise while contributing to high-impact projects aligned with the EIB’s climate, sustainability and development objectives.

Specific Post Environment

You will join a collaborative and highly specialised team within the Water Division, working with sector specialists, economists, engineers and senior experts. This is a strong opportunity to build hands-on experience in project appraisal, sector analysis and investment monitoring while contributing to sustainable infrastructure projects that support the EIB’s public policy mission.

Operating Network

Internal contacts

Professional staff of the WATER division or Energy and Environment Department Department, and EIB staff.

External contacts

IFIs, bilateral donors, EU institutions, EU and non EU public authorities , promoters and counterparts.

Accountabilities

With the support and guidance of senior experts, you will contribute to the following activities:

• Support the identification and early screening of new water and sanitation projects in countries where the Bank operates, both inside and outside the EU, and help shape project preparation, including through technical assistance where needed.
• Assess the technical and operational soundness of projects, including their climate and environmental sustainability, permitting aspects and socio-economic relevance.
• Contribute to project appraisal and implementation monitoring in line with EIB standards and requirements, helping prepare operations for approval by the Bank’s governing bodies.
• Prepare clear and well-structured input on investment proposals and follow approved operations during implementation, including through the coordination of external consultants where relevant.
• Engage with European Commission counterparts, other financial institutions and relevant external stakeholders to support effective project development and sector dialogue.
• Take part in missions and meetings inside and outside the EU, with frequent travel potentially required.
  
  

Qualifications

• A university degree, at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Economics or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in water, wastewater services or related sectors, ideally participating in the appraisal of infrastructure projects or gained across one or more stages of the project cycle, such as feasibility, design, development, contracting, management or operation.
• Availability and willingness to travel frequently outside the EU.
• Excellent knowledge of English and/or French***with a good command of the other.
• Knowledge of French and other EU languages would be an advantage.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Your application would be further strengthened by experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• A postgraduate degree, or a profile combining Engineering with Finance, Economics or Business studies.
• Experience gained in a bilateral development finance institution or a Multilateral Development Bank.
• Work experience outside the EU, particularly in contexts where water and sanitation investments support development impact.
• Knowledge of public procurement and experience mobilising or managing consultancy assignments.
• Understanding of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment processes.
  
  

Competencies

Find Out More About EIB Core Behavioural Skills Here

To find out more about our eligibility criteria click here

(***) Unless stated explicitly as a required qualification, a good command of French is not a pre-requisite for hire. As both English and French are however official working languages of the EIB, proficiency in both languages is a pre-requisite for your future career development. Any language clause in your contract must be fulfilled in order for you to be eligible for a promotion (either via the annual appraisal cycle or via an internal selection process). Proficiency is understood to mean the attainment of level 5 of the Inter Institutional language courses, corresponding to B1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The Bank offers appropriate training support.

We hire and value talent with unique characteristics, creating a work environment where they can be themselves. We believe that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion makes us a performing and innovative organisation. We encourage all suitably qualified and eligible candidates to apply regardless of their gender identity/expression, age, racial, ethnic and cultural background, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or neurodiversity.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process due to a disability, neurodivergence, or a chronic health condition, please contact the EIB Recruitment team [e-mail] who will manage your request appropriately.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the Information of the EIB Group. In case of selection for the position you agree to comply with all measures (policies, controls, document classification and management) implemented by the EIB Group to prevent unauthorised disclosure of any information or any damage to the EIB Group reputation.

Deadline for applications: 16th November 2026