Background & Purpose of Job

The Associate will work independently with Principals and Associate Directors in the relevant ESD team to deliver the Bank’s commitments under its Environmental and Social Policy, covering environmental and social appraisal and monitoring of the Bank's portfolio of projects and activities in various sectors; oversight and verification of the Bank's approaches, assessments, monitoring, reporting and verification of environmental, social, green and other commitments relevant to ESDs mandate. The Associate will support the appraisal and monitoring of a range of projects, predominantly in low-risk sectors and projects.

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 Bank's 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.

The ESD Monitoring team is responsible for delivering four core activities, including oversight of EBRD’s portfolio of more than 2,000 investment projects; coordination and preparation of sustainability related contributions to the Bank’s sustainability related reports; leading the digitalisation of department's processes and data management; and oversight of the ESD Technical Cooperation (TC) function.

Within the Monitoring team, this Associate position will focus on two key areas. Firstly, it will support ESD’s contributions to the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) report, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) report, and Investor Report on Sustainability and ensure strong data governance to maintain data accuracy and quality in these reports. The role will also help keep the Bank’s sustainability reporting approaches up to date and support the development of tools to improve reporting and analysis. This activity requires close collaboration with ESD, Data Management, IT and Transformation colleagues to enhance data and reporting systems.

Secondly, the Associate, will coordinate the ESD Technical Cooperation (TC) activities. This involves working with donors and teams across the Bank to plan and deliver TCs led or supported by ESD. Specific tasks may include tracking and monitoring workflows to ensure timely delivery and management of the project cycle from planning and procurement through to delivery, sometimes acting as a Co‑Operational Lead. The Associate, also reviews TC outputs, coordinates results reporting, and supports the visibility of ESD‑led TC projects through engagement with the Communications Team and consultants. The incumbent will also be involved in preparing management reports with a focus on continuously improvement of projects.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Head of Sector/Policy/Monitoring/Assurance:

• Work on a range of assigned projects, Technical Cooperations (TCs), tasks and initiatives, often as the owner of, or contributing specialist for projects and 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.
• Conduct ESD analytical, scientific, and technical reviews and appraisals, developing methodologies, monitoring outputs/outcomes, managing data, reviewing and developing internal and external publications, supporting the negotiation of E&S contract terms,
• Undertake work travel as requested.
• When required, the Associate will be expected to coordinate meetings and events on behalf of ESD / the Bank.
• The Associate will engage and work with several key stakeholders on all levels both internal to the Bank and externally. This includes liaising with a variety staff at different levels, clients and consultants.
• Support building internal and external capacity on environmental, social, and green finance matters by producing lessons learned/ fact sheets and/ or keep brief information sessions on specific topics and experiences.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and procedures, including the streamlining, collection, management, and automation of data.
• Coordinate and prepare internal and external reports, reporting approaches, 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.
• Experience appraising 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).
• Familiarity of financing instruments, approaches and processes is an advantage.
• Good knowledge of environmental and social thematic policy and safeguards areas and the risks and impacts of various sectors.
• Familiarity with the countries in which the Bank operates / plans to operate
• Effective time management and organisational skills and ability to multi-task without losing attention to detail. Proven analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently and within a team.
• 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.
• Proven analytical and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and effective communication skills.
• Experience operating in a multicultural environment and building effective working relationships with internal/external clients and colleagues.

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 people's 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 Bank’s 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).