Managing Director, Environment & Sustainability

EBRD; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering international organization dedicated to promoting environmental and sustainable development. In this impactful role, you will lead a diverse team and drive strategic initiatives that shape the future of investment projects across the regions we operate in. This role offers the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, influence policy, and contribute to meaningful change. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values innovative ideas and sustainability at its core. If you are a visionary leader passionate about making a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in environmental and social project management.
• Strong academic background in environmental or social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of policy frameworks for environmental and social issues.
• Manage reputational risks and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

Skills

Project Management

Environmental Policy

Social Sciences

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Change Management

Communication

Education

Degree in Environmental Sciences

Degree in Social Sciences

Job description

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Requisition ID 35624 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Environment & Sustainability Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length Four-year term, with the potential for renewal for an additional four years Posting End Date 14/05/2025

Purpose of Job

The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for providing thought leadership and people leadership to the independent second line function charged with ensuring that the Bank delivers on its commitments to promote environmental and sustainable (E&S) development in all its activities, as outlined in the Articles Establishing the Bank (AEB) and the standards set out in the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP).

The MD updates the ESP periodically, oversees the continuous improvement of the EBRD's E&S Framework, and applies the associated E&S risk assessment methodology related to the Bank's ESP.

This role includes mitigating and minimizing, within risk tolerance, the reputational impacts of environmental and social issues linked to the Bank's investments, operations, and Technical Cooperation activities.

The role also involves catalyzing new environmental and social initiatives, delivering policy dialogue with national and regional authorities, and supporting the Bank's environmental and social objectives in countries of operation.

A key function of the ESD team is acting as the second line of defense (2LOD) in managing reputational risks from the Bank's green and sustainability designations, including Paris Alignment, Green Economies in Transition (GET), MRV (monitoring, reporting, verification), and related data collection, analysis, and reporting.

The role is responsible for establishing and managing the Bank's Management Grievance mechanism related to E&S complaints submitted directly to Bank Management and collaborating on strategic initiatives with other IFIs, such as mutual reliance, human rights, health and safety, and environmental issues.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Leading and being accountable for developing and delivering the five-year policy frameworks for environmental and social issues.
• Implementing effective business process models to handle the diverse sectors and geographies of investment projects.
• Overseeing functions and technical expertise for project appraisal and oversight.
• Contributing to the Bank's GET approach and second line of defense, including Paris Alignment.
• Managing and developing people, including talent acquisition, performance management, coaching, and strategic workforce planning.
• Providing leadership and vision, aligning team members with the Bank's objectives.
• Informing the Board on high-risk issues with complex technical details.
• Protecting the Bank from reputational damage while supporting complex projects, in collaboration with IPAM and CSG Units.
• Managing the interface between Management and the IPAM function.
• Overseeing the financial and technical resources of ESD for effective support and compliance.
• Incubating new initiatives such as climate change adaptation and road safety to develop new banking products.
• Solving high-level problems on high-risk projects using professional judgment.
• Developing best practices by reviewing gaps and providing solutions.
• Leading by example and fostering collaboration across departments and externally, maintaining market alignment.
• As a Senior Leadership Group member, championing the Bank's Workplace Behaviors and contributing to strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

• Extensive practical experience in environmental and social issues across sectors, gained in IFIs, the commercial sector, or both.
• Strong academic background in environmental and/or social sciences.
• Proven leadership in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and talent development.
• Successful track record in strategy formulation and implementation.
• Experience managing large, complex programs and projects.
• Commitment to change management and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of operational challenges in regions where the EBRD is expanding.
• Ability to set strategic direction and implement it across dispersed geographies.
• Effective communication skills for technical and strategic issues with diverse stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving skills based on extensive practical experience.
• Strong partnership skills to engage stakeholders and promote team cohesion.
• Excellent leadership, management, and communication skills, motivating professionals in a multicultural environment.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! Join a pioneering, diverse organization to make a real difference in people's lives and shape the future of the regions we invest in.

The EBRD environment offers:

• Stimulating work with opportunities to collaborate with experts across sectors and regions.
• An inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.
• An environment focused on sustainability, equality, and digital transformation.

Diversity is a core value. We promote equal opportunities and an inclusive environment, encouraging all qualified candidates from EBRD member countries to apply, regardless of background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. We support flexible working, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note that due to high application volumes, we cannot provide detailed feedback to candidates not shortlisted for further consideration.