Principal Social Advisor, Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD)

Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Principal Social Advisor to join our Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD). In this role, you will play a key role in delivering the Bank\’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) commitments, focusing on social assessment, appraisal and monitoring of complex and high-risk projects and activities across various sectors, primarily mining, energy and infrastructure but also manufacturing and services, agribusiness and biofuels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the environmental and social appraisal and monitoring of Bank-financed projects, programmes and initiatives.
• Lead social assessments, appraisals and monitoring in areas of land acquisition and resettlement, labour and working conditions, occupational and public health and safety, supply chains, cultural heritage, indigenous peoples, and stakeholder engagement.
• Undertake site visits to EBRD\’s countries of operation.
• Provide strategic input on compliance, policy and sustainability-related matters.
• Engage with key stakeholders including EBRD staff and management, clients, government representatives, communities and civil society organisations.
• Manage or support internal and external project teams, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver effective, ESP-aligned outcomes.
• Represent ESD at internal and external fora, project meetings, and stakeholder consultation events.
• Take thematic ownership of key social policy or safeguard areas and contribute to policy improvement.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to capacity-building across EBRD teams.
• Support innovation in data management, reporting methodologies, and procedural efficiency.
• Work in line with the Bank\’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours.

Qualifications

• A degree in social sciences, economics, international development, or related fields.
• A proven record in assessing, appraising and managing/monitoring social risks on complex and high-risk mining, energy and/or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge and working experience of applying international social safeguards and standards (e.g., EBRD ESP, World Bank Group/IFC, Equator Principles, Asian Development Bank, etc).
• Practical experience in carrying out social impact assessments, labour assessments, resettlement planning and stakeholder engagement essential.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience working in or with emerging markets or countries where EBRD operates.
• Strong project management and leadership experience, with the ability to lead project/initiative teams and coach others.
• Ability to work independently and work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience working on projects involving indigenous peoples is an advantage.
• Experience with public sector entities in sovereign, infrastructure or other types of projects is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is essential. Additional languages, especially from EBRD regions, is an advantage.

Benefits and Working Environment

• 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.
• We embed values of Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility in our workplace behaviours: listening well, collaborating smartly, acting decisively, and simplifying to amplify impact.
• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that involves interacting with experts across the regions we invest in.
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity, reflecting a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals, based on trust 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 a core value of the Bank. We encourage all qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability. Please note that due to high application volumes, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted.