At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of Green Cities Action Plans for sustainable urban development.
- Company: Join EBRD, a pioneering organisation focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse work culture, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban sustainability and improve lives across cities.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in climate finance or urban planning; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
GCAP Management: Overall oversight, delivery and management of the appointed consultants' work to ensure timely delivery and consistency with the ambitions of EBRD Green Cities.
Purpose of Job: The Principal, Sustainable Business Infrastructure (SBI), will manage the Green Cities Action Plans (GCAPs). GCAPs are the strategic documents underpinning EBRD Green Cities.
Background: The EBRD has a thriving EBRD Green Cities programme. It has grown into a EUR 7 billion+ framework, with a further EUR 3 billion committed in 2024, and a network of more than 60 cities across 24 countries on three continents having signed up to the programme. To date, some EUR 3.7 billion has been invested across over 110 signed projects, improving the lives of around 80 million people. EBRD Green Cities involves a 'trigger' investment, which is the first transformational city investment, and second a Green City Action Plan (GCAP), which is the means by which a long-term vision for green and sustainable investments together with necessary policy reforms is determined. Around 50 GCAPs are now completed, with a further eight under development or with commitment confirmed by the City.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- Green City GCAP Initiation: Preparation of Terms of Reference, which involves liaising with the ultimate client — in this case the City — and relevant units within the Bank, including SIG's sector specialists, CSD and the relevant banker.
- Issuing the call-off notice and overseeing the consultant selection process.
- Securing donor funds for the specific GCAP assignment.
- Where the City completed its GCAP more than five years ago, initiating a GCAP "refresher" (GCAP2) under the refined methodology.
GCAP Management:
- Overall oversight, delivery and management of the appointed consultants' work to ensure timely delivery and consistency with the ambitions of EBRD Green Cities.
- Incorporating relevant comments from sector specialists and other EBRD staff into the GCAP documentation drafted by the framework consultants.
- Ensuring GCAPs apply the Bank's refined methodology, including its broadened focus on climate adaptation, nature finance and green capital markets alongside mitigation.
- Managing donor visibility at appropriate times during the GCAP process.
- Oversight of stakeholder events, ensuring all relevant parties are invited — including Mayors, Ambassadors, CSOs and EBRD senior management — and managing the content of the event in line with the EBRD Green Cities Stakeholder Engagement guidelines.
- Reviewing and providing timely inputs to all GCAP reports.
- Leading implementation meetings at the conclusion of each GCAP, summarising key conclusions and presenting to relevant EBRD staff for discussion.
Specific responsibilities within EBRD Green Cities, which may include:
- Presentations to external clients, including EBRD Green Cities partner cities, representatives from government Ministries and consultants.
- Managing EBRD Green Cities external events, ensuring relevant participation from both partner cities and consultants.
- Supporting the transition of completed GCAPs into bankable follow-on investments, in coordination with sector specialists and banking team.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- Qualifications and Skills: Master’s degree in climate finance/urban planning, engineering, or closely related field.
- Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spreadsheet packages.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and to deadlines and under time pressure.
- Well-developed analytical skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Understanding of the urban sustainability, energy, environment and development challenges in the EBRD region.
Experience & Knowledge:
- Extensive relevant climate finance/urban planning work experience from an investment or commercial bank or relevant private or public institution.
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 expect our employees 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.
Principal, Sustainable Business Infrastructure in London employer: EBRD
At EBRD, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that champions diversity and innovation within a dynamic workplace. Our London office offers a hybrid work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing, providing competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a pioneering international organisation dedicated to shaping the future of the regions we invest in.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal, Sustainable Business Infrastructure in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like EBRD that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like EBRD that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like EBRD. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like EBRD when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal, Sustainable Business Infrastructure in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with EBRD's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Principal, Sustainable Business Infrastructure.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research EBRD and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that EBRD is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Principal, Sustainable Business Infrastructure.
How to prepare for a job interview at EBRD
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with EBRD.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at EBRD.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of EBRD. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.