Associate, Access to Information Policy in London

The Access to Information Associate (AI Associate) supports the delivery of the Bank's commitments to transparency and disclosure, which are enshrined in EBRD's Access to Information Policy (AIP) and Directive on Access to Information (DIA). The AI Associate plays a key role in implementing the Bank's access to information framework in all its operations and activities, and in assisting the Head of Access to Information to promote the Bank's accountability and good governance.

The AI Associate provides advice throughout the Bank on all disclosure-related aspects of the Bank's operations and activities and works with the AI Head to ensure that this advice considers, and is consistent with, the Bank's Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) and the Bank's Project Accountability Policy (PAP). The role interacts with operational teams across the Bank, including those in Banking teams, the Environmental and Sustainability Department, the Civil Society Engagement, Climate and Strategy Delivery, Operational Strategy and Planning, the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism, Communications and Office of the General Counsel. Specifically, the AI Associate will liaise with these stakeholders to ensure timely compliance with the Bank's competing obligations of disclosure and confidentiality.

Moreover, the role involves supporting ongoing liaison with various other internal and external stakeholders: the Board of Directors, the President's Office, diverse project-affected communities, civil society organisations, the Bank's clients and other IFIs/IOs. The AI Associate will deputise for the AI Head, support the wider work of the Shareholder Relations team and OSG as appropriate.

The updated EBRD transparency framework, comprised of Access to Information Policy (AIP) and Directive on Access to Information Policy (DAI), was approved in October 2024 and became effective on 1 January 2025. The updated framework aligns with international best practice on information access, emphasising the maximum disclosure of information and principles of proactive disclosure and accessibility. Key changes include the adoption of new principles for proactive disclosure and a more narrowly defined set of exceptions, guided by clearer criteria based on the potential harm caused.

The AIP and DIA support broad stakeholder awareness and understanding of, and engagement with, the Bank's role and its strategies, policies and operations, and help to strengthen public trust in the institution and its mandate. The Associate has a crucial role in setting and enforcing the Bank's transparency policies and practices and ensuring day-to-day compliance with the institutional and project level information disclosure obligations.

Accountabilities/Knowledge

The AI Associate assists in implementing the Bank's access to information framework and disclosure practices. In particular, the AI Associate will:

• Under guidance from the AIP Head, lead on adoption of changes to internal Bank processes and systems as required in order to implement changes arising out of review of the Policy and Directive.
• Lead on day-to-day compliance by Banking teams with the Bank's institutional and project level information disclosure obligations, including by monitoring and liaising with Bank staff to ensure consistent application of transparency and disclosure practices in relation to institutional and project-level disclosure.
• Monitor adherence to Operational Guidance, and lead on preparation of updates to the Operations Manual as required to facilitate emerging process changes.
• Document and synthesise internal negotiations as required for update and/or amendment of the DAI during its annual review process.
• Serve as point of contact on practical implementation of the AIP and DIA, and by troubleshooting emerging policy issues under the supervision of the Access to Information Head.
• Explore emerging potential of technology including Artificial Intelligence to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Bank's work on transparency.
• Advise Bank staff and Board officials on transparency dimensions of the Bank's operations, on Bank practices in relation to institutional and project-level disclosure, and on IFI best practice in relation to thematic trends in transparency and disclosure.
• Under guidance from the AIP Head, design and deliver staff training regarding implementation of the AIP and DAI.
• Lead on monitoring, coordination and response to information requests received by the Bank.
• Process, coordinate and draft responses for appeals under the AIP and AIP-related IPAM cases as applicable.
• Under guidance from the AIP Head, manage documentation and processes associated with conduct of any appeals considered by the Information Appeals Panel, to facilitate discussion and decision-making.
• Lead on internal liaison in preparation of the annual AIP implementation report, used to report to the Board of Directors, shareholders and external stakeholders on transparency arrangements.
• Draft transparency elements of regular organisational reports, guides and overviews, prepared for external stakeholders, clients and civil society.
• Participate in the IFI Working Group for Transparency and Disclosure, at its annual meetings and other fora, including by leading on preparation of any presentations/sessions.
• Maintain constructive and collaborative working relationships with key internal stakeholders, senior management, the Board, civil society organisations, clients and project-affected communities.

Qualifications And Skills

Excellent written and oral communications skills in English. Demonstrated self-motivation and focus, detail-orientation and the ability to manage and work efficiently to multiple competing deadlines. Experience in banking, environmental and social issues, governance, and policy implementation are all distinct advantages. Understanding of technology and the interoperation of computing systems, including the capacity to translate business needs into technical requirements.

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.