Principal, Procurement Adviser

Purpose of Job

The Principal Procurement Adviser shall provide procurement related oversight and where appropriate advisory operational support in respect of the Banks private sector operations including appraisal of the proposed procurement and any associated implementation arrangements to determine if these are consistent with the requirements the Banks Procurement Policies and Rules (PPR). In undertaking this role the Principal Policy Adviser Private Sector primarily interacts with Banking Teams and the PPAD country-allocated Project Implementation Advisers (PIA) which are jointly responsible for establishing the procurement and associated implementation arrangements for both private and public sector operations and elaborating these procedures and arrangements in internal project approval documentation. The Principal Private Sector Policy Adviser reports directly to the Associate Director Procurement Policy Adviser Operations.

Where business needs arise under the guidance of the Associate Director Operations the Principal Policy Advisor Private Sector may also be required to undertake an appraisal or provide other advisory support services in respect of the Banks public sector operations.

Background

Since its inception in 1991 in its countries of operation the Bank has invested more than EUR 215 billion in over 7600 projects in the private and public 2024 the Bank invested a record EUR 16.6 billion in circa. 580 projects. The majority of these projects (circa.400 projects) are classified as private sector operations reflecting the Banks focus on the private sector. Of these circa. 400 private sector projects the Bank reviewed the proposed procurement arrangements in approximately 120 projects.

The Banks mandate to develop a strong private sector in its countries of operation is anchored in the Agreement Establishing the Bank. To this end the private sector rules in the Banks PPR apply to any private sector operation which finances (i) any form of capital expenditure involving the acquisition of goods works services (ii) commodities (iii) consultancy services.

PPAD is the guardian of the PPR and is responsible for all aspects related to the Banks strategic approach to the PPR and its interpretation. Within PPAD as an integral part of project risk management the Associate Director Procurement Policy Adviser Operations and the Principal Private Sector Policy Adviser provide advice and support to the Banking Teams for efficient utilisation supporting the implementation of the Banks portfolio of both private and public sector operations to ensure their compliance with efficiency cost effectiveness and timely completion of operations.

Facts / Scale

• The Principal Procurement Adviser primarily interfaces with Banking Teams and PPAD country-allocated PIAs.
• In a typical week the Principal Procurement Adviser may receive between 25 and 35 private sector internal submissions for review and analysis and recording in the Banks internal systems.
• The position has no direct reports or management responsibility.
• The position has no budget responsibilities.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Review and analyse the procurement and implementation arrangements for private sector transactions to ensure consistency with Article 4 Procurement in Private Sector Operations of the Banks PPR and respective PPAD Guidance Notes Procurement in Private Sector Operations and Procurement of Concessions.
• Prepare PPAD-Policy comments on internal project approval submissions (i.e. NTNs/SBIC and OpsCom and Delegated Authority submissions) verifying the procurement classification and acceptability of the proposed procurement and implementation arrangements ensuring all comments are appropriately recorded in Bank internal systems (i.e. Monarch/DTM etc) as applicable.
• Representing PPAD-Policy at internal project approval forums such as Risk Pre-Ops OpsCom Pre-Ops OpsCom FOPC and Board as and when required.
• Provide internal and external stakeholders with services and professional advice on all aspects of private sector procurement (on occasion the Principal Policy Advisor Private Sector may also be required to provide other advisory support services in respect of the Banks public sector operations).
• Provision of training and capacity building services and initiatives to relevant internal stakeholders (i.e. Banking Teams and PPAD PIAs as appropriate) and external stakeholders (i.e. Clients potential contractors/suppliers and the general business community etc).
• Review of project related legal documentation/agreements including where applicable donor contribution and capex grant agreements to ensure compliance with the PPR and the adopted procurement and implementation strategy.
• Establish close contact with the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and other international organisations in private sector procurement and active participation in any relevant policy dialogue initiatives or working groups established for that purpose.
• Maintaining and recording data on private sector procurement operations and statistical analysis of that data to identify relevant developments/trends that may need to be reported internally including in the Annual Report to the Board and/or reflected in the PPR and/or PPAD Guidance Notes.
• Carry out other any project implementation advisory activities when requested by PPAD Director and/or the Associate Director Procurement Policy Adviser Operations
• Conduct all activities in line with PPADs Operational Standards and all relevant PPAD Guidance Notes.

Knowledge Skills Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in business administration economics engineering or law or a related field; or equivalent work experience as detailed below.
• Proven experience in private sector and preferably public sector procurement and project implementation within emerging market or transitioning economies with a strong understanding of risk management and modern procurement best practices.
• Experience in the application and/or review of complex procurement procedures in the private sector involving the review of value for money/total cost of ownership (life-cycle costing) end of life disposal or replacement aspects would be advantageous.
• Experience in the application and/or review of procurement procedures undertaken to procure PPP/Concession projects.
• Experience working on MDB/IFI funded projects with familiarity in their regulatory and operational frameworks.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience preparing reports presentations and briefing materials for senior management and stakeholders.
• Command of (written and spoken) French and/or Russian is desirable.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

What is it like to work at the 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.

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;
• An environment that places sustainability equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Banks core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients brings pioneering ideas energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. 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 sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

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).