Principal, ESD

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development seeks a Principal Advisor in its Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD) in London to drive biodiversity and ESG policy delivery across high-risk sectors.

You will lead complex assessments, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, mentor staff, and represent ESD at external events while advancing climate, nature, and green finance initiatives in line with international standards.

Qualifications

• Proven track-record appraising complex environmental and social risks and impacts across sectors.
• Excellent knowledge of ESG standards and guidelines (EBRD ESR, IFC Performance Standards, CSRD, TCFD, TNFD).
• Experience applying financing instruments and IFI policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist input to high-risk projects and technical cooperation tasks.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and conduct reviews and appraisals.
• Represent ESD at external meetings and forums.
• Mentor staff and build capacity within the department.
• Prepare internal and external reports and support data management improvements.
• Ensure line with Bank behaviours and governance requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Analytical skills

Negotiation and influence

Mentoring and coaching

Time management

Education

Environmental/Social sciences or related degree

Job description

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EBRD's Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD) is looking to recruit a Principal advisor. The Principal will report to ESD's Head of Sector: Extractives and SME and work closely with ESD's senior biodiversity advisor to support ESD staff, clients and advisors to deliver the Bank's biodiversity requirements under EBRD ESR6, as well as other environmental and social (E&S) requirements, as they relate to the E&S appraisal and monitoring of the Bank's projects and activities in various high risk and complex sectors (extractives, energy, infrastructure, etc.) and geographies. The Principal will further contribute to biodiversity and nature related policy and guidance.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the direction of an Associate Director Head:

• Provide specialist input to projects, Technical Cooperation's (TCs), tasks and initiatives, including complex and high-risk projects and TCs. They may work individually or with assigned support of Analysts or Associates.
• When acting as facilitator on an aspect of work, the Principal will have full responsibility for managing delivery of a particular sub - project, project, task, or activities. These activities may include contributing to assessment of ESP compliance, E&S risks impacts and opportunities; climate and nature risks, Paris Alignment, and green finance attribution; monitoring, verification and reporting; and assurance.
• Coordinate project and consultant teams, conduct and/or contribute analytical, scientific, and technical reviews and appraisals, develop methodologies, monitor outputs/outcomes, contribute specialist input, manage data, review, and develop internal and external publications, negotiate E&S contract terms.
• Undertake work travel independently, as required
• As delegated by the Director or Associate Director Head, represent ESD internally and externally at various fora, including project, client, lender and stakeholder meetings and other events. This representation may be supported by more senior staff, as required.
• Take responsibility for specific thematic policy and/or safeguard area as assigned by the Director or Associate Director Head.
• Support internal and external capacity building initiatives and mentor and coach staff on environmental, social and green finance matters.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and procedures, including the streamlining, collection, management, and automation of data.
• Preparation of internal and external reports, on the Bank's reporting approach, and methodologies.
• Work in line with Bank's Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in environmental and/or social sciences/economics, engineering, or related field or comparable professional experience.
• Proven track-record appraising complex environmental and social risks and impacts of a range of projects and/or sectors.
• Knowledge of international good practice environmental, social and climate standards/guidelines (e.g. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Environmental and Social Requirements, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement alignment, Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), International Sustainability Standards Board (SSB), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), sector guidelines, etc).
• Knowledge and experience applying financing instruments, approaches, and processes as well as IFI, or similar, policies and procedures
• Excellent knowledge of environmental and social thematic policy and safeguard areas and the risks and impacts of various sectors.
• In-depth understanding of scientific, economic, and political dimensions of environmental and social issues. Ability to apply those to the assessment of EBRD investment projects.
• Familiarity with the countries in which the Bank operates / plans to operate
• Track record in project management, leading/contributing to multi-disciplinary teams and delivering a solution-orientated and risk-assessment based approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently or lead or be part of a team.
• Effective time management and organisational skills and ability to multi-task and delegate tasks.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Familiarity with a language of the EBRD countries of operations would be advantageous and, for a resident office appointment, local language fluency will be required.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of stakeholders verbally and in writing; ability to build consensus and reach agreement in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Substantial analytical and quantitative skills.
• Experience mentoring and coaching less experienced staff.
• Ability to transfer previous external experience into the EBRD context.
• Proactive in anticipating problems and tackling those to avoid escalation.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiations, persuasion, and influence skills in internal and external engagement activities to deliver the team's and Bank's objectives, based on effective communication skills.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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 people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank's core values which are at the heart of everything it does. 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

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).