Principal Environmental and Social Specialist (E&S policy and energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa)

The Principal will support the Environmental and Sustainability Department’s Policy and Energy teams with a focus on countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Principal should preferably have experience in assessing and monitoring environmental and social aspects of projects in this region.

The Principal will work with Associate Directors, Heads of Sector, and 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. This includes 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.

ESD works closely and interacts daily with the banking teams and other departments to drive the shared agenda of sound environment and sustainable development. ESD is responsible for the environmental and social appraisal, assessment, and monitoring of the Bank's portfolio of projects and activities in various sectors.

Main interaction is with the Banking teams during project development and implementation, where active participation is expected from ESD in assessing gaps against applicable policy provisions, identifying and developing solutions and opportunities, ensuring compliance, and increasing environmental and social transition impact.

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 management.
• Oversees and assesses environmental and sustainability-related risk.
• Is responsible for monitoring, reporting, verification, and policy management.

The Principal is expected to manage and facilitate specialist input to projects, TCs, tasks, and initiatives, including complex and high-risk projects. They may work individually or with the support of Analysts or Associates.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist input to projects, Technical Cooperation’s (TCs), tasks, and initiatives.
• Coordinate project and consultant teams, conduct analytical, scientific, and technical reviews and appraisals.
• Undertake work travel independently, as required.
• Represent ESD internally and externally at various fora.
• Support internal and external capacity building initiatives and mentor staff on environmental, social, and green finance matters.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

• Degree in environmental and/or social sciences/economics, engineering, or related field.
• Proven track record appraising complex environmental and social risks and impacts.
• Knowledge of international good practice environmental, social, and climate standards/guidelines.
• Excellent knowledge of environmental and social thematic policy and safeguard areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or lead a team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? Our agile and innovative approach makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, using 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.
• 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. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their background. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expect our employees to attend the office 50% of their working time.