Associate Director, ESD Energy, Environment and Sustainability Department in London

We are searching for an experienced and motivated Associate Director to join our Energy team at the Environment and Sustainability Department, based in our London HQ office. You will have ESIA due diligence experience in the energy sector, experience working with EBRD, and IFC safeguarding performance standards, understanding of the complexity of nuclear, renewal, power distribution and other forms of energy transmission and distribution.

Purpose of Job

The Associate Director will work with the Associate Director Heads of Sector and Directors in ESD 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 ESD's mandate. The Associate Director will manage the appraisal and monitoring of complex and high-risk projects, provide specialist input, and conduct oversight of a range of projects and sectors.

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 the 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.

Within its mandate, ESD:

• conducts oversight and verification of the Bank's 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 limited direction of the Associate Director Head:

• Technically manage, provide specialist input, and oversee and coordinate a range of projects or tasks, including complex and high risks projects and TCs. They would work independently or with the support of Principals and Associates.
• Responsible for delivering a particular project, task, activities, or initiative, which may include 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.
• Oversees and manages projects, coordinates tasks and outputs/outcomes, manage assigned tasks, conduct analytical, scientific, and technical reviews and appraisals, develop and implement methodologies, monitor outputs/outcomes.
• Provide specialist input, review documentation, negotiate E&S contract terms, liaise with EBRD staff, clients, and consultants.
• Undertake work travel independently or leading ESD/consultant teams.
• As delegated by the Director or Head of Sector, the Associate Director will represent ESD internally and externally at various fora including project, client, lender and stakeholder meetings and other events.
• Provide and/or coordinate specialists' input to sector and country strategies/policies, papers, or other initiatives.
• As assigned by the Director or Head of Sector, the Associate Director will take responsibility for a particular theme or sub-sector specialism in developing and disseminating knowledge.
• Responsible for delivering internal and external capacity building initiatives and mentoring and coaching staff on environmental, social, and finance matters as relevant to ESD's mandate.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and procedures, including the streamlining, collection, management and automation of data.
• If based in a resident office (RO), the Associate Director will be expected to manage on the ground engagement with internal and external counterparts, including at senior governmental level, to support delivery of the EBRD's Environmental and Social Policy and advance good environmental and social practices.
• Responsible for aspects of the preparation of internal and external sustainability related reporting, on the Bank's sustainability reporting approach, and methodologies.
• Champion and role-model the Bank's Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are always exhibited.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in environmental and/or social sciences/economics, engineering, or related field or comparable professional experience.
• Proven track-record in appraising complex environmental and social risks and impacts of a range of complex and high-risk 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 of financing instruments, approaches, and processes as well as IFI, or similar, policies and procedures, including policy development.
• Strong sector or environmental and social thematic area with in-depth expertise and knowledge of application of policies and/or safeguards.
• Familiarity with the countries in which the Bank operates / plans to operate.
• Track record in project management, leading/conducting oversight of multi-disciplinary teams and delivering a solution-orientated and risk-assessment based approach on complex and high-risk projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently or lead/oversee a team in a multicultural environment.
• 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.
• Proven experience communicating complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of senior level stakeholders and decision makers internal and external to the Bank, verbally and in writing; ability to build consensus and reach agreement in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and coaching junior staff.
• Ability to transfer previous external experience into the EBRD context.
• Proactive in anticipating problems and leading in 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.
• Ability to operate in a multicultural environment and build 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.

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).

We offer:

We believe that hard work deserves great rewards. We offer competitive base salaries and annual performance-based bonuses. Permanent staff can enjoy additional benefits such as medical insurance, generous and flexible annual leave options, retirement benefits, reduced gym membership rates and staff discounts at a wide array of retailers. We recognise the challenges of working far from home, so if you move from another country to take up a post with us, we'll help by providing ongoing assistance and relocation allowance.