Principal, InvestEU, Environment and Sustainability Department

Purpose of Job

The Principal will work with Associate Directors Heads of Sector and Directors in the relevant ESD team to deliver the Banks commitments under its Environmental and Social Policy covering environmental and social appraisal and monitoring of the Banks portfolio of projects and activities in various sectors; oversight and verification of the Banks approaches assessments monitoring reporting and verification of environmental social green and other commitments relevant to ESDs mandate. The Principal will contribute specialist input to the appraisal and monitoring of a range of projects and sectors including complex and high-risk projects.

The Principal InvestEU position entails ensuring that projects under InvestEU and the RRF align with EU environmental and social policies & requirements through thorough Environmental and Social Proofing. This includes planning formulating and managing due diligence approaches in line with ESD Assurance processes ensuring projects meet EU environmental and social policy and regulatory requirements and coordinating with various teams. The Principal is required to have a good understanding of key EU legislation such as the Industrial Emission Directive (IED) EU EIA Directive EU Habitats Directives Battery Directives SFDR CSRD REACH RoSH WEEE addition to conducting in-house due diligence and monitoring and overseeing external consultants the role requires ensuring adherence to EU Sustainability Proofing methodologies and leading discussions with EU institutions. The Principal will need to have a good understanding of the EU development consent process and approval by Competent Authorities. The Principal will manage all necessary E&S documentation for EU approvals provide early-stage support on technical cooperation and project preparation monitor implementation and update donors.

Background

ESD works closely and interacts daily with the banking teams and other departments as relevant to drive the shared agenda of sound environment and sustainable development.

ESD is a team of specialists responsible for the environmental and social appraisal assessment and monitoring of Banks portfolio of projects and activities in various sectors. ESD is responsible for and the custodians of the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP). Main interaction is with the Banking teams during project development and implementation where an active participation is expected from ESD in assessing gaps against applicable policy provisions identifying and developing solutions and opportunities and thereby ensuring compliance as well as increased environmental and social transition impact delivering sound environment and sustainable development.

Within its mandate ESD:
conducts oversight and verification of the Banks approaches and assessments
interacts frequently with the Board banking and external stakeholders
is responsible for data collection and data management
is responsible for standards and minimum requirements
oversees and assesses environmental and sustainability-related risk
is responsible for monitoring reporting verification
is responsible for the ESP and related policy management and policy development methodologies and guidance.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Under the direction of an Associate Director Head:

Provide specialist input to projects Technical Cooperations (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 Banks reporting approach and methodologies.

Work in line with Banks 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.

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 teams and Banks 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 peoples 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 Banks 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).