Associate Director, Head of Sector Reforms, Sustainable Infrastructure (SIG)

Purpose of Job

The Associate Director (AD), Sector Reforms (SIG), is a member of the management team of Competitiveness & Governance (C&G) team in the PSD department, reporting to the Director and leading a team of policy / sector experts working on specific projects and policy initiatives in the Sustainable Infrastructure (SIG) sectors. As such, the AD manages a team of approximately [7-10] sector / policy specialists and supports the Director in overseeing and leading policy dialogue activities on sector/country specific issues; working with banking OLs in the origination and structuring of SIG projects with policy components; working with economists in the Impact / Partnership departments and other policy specialist teams in VP3 and the Legal Transition Team (LTT).

In particular, the AD will lead the Sector Reforms team to develop policy initiatives for the energy / infrastructure sectors, structure transactions with policy components at the national, municipal, sector and corporate levels, including managing significant delivery frameworks such as the SOE Management Assistance, Reform & Transformation programme (SMART). They will also lead significant policy / advisory services that can enable investments and will participate in high level conferences, media appearances, and meetings with ministries, regulators, the private sector, international financial institutions (IFIs), clients and other stakeholders.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Policy dialogue:

• Design, manage and lead policy dialogues with relevant stakeholders to promote energy and infrastructure sector reforms, and improving the general investment climate / competitiveness of CoOs, with a view to developing long-term relationships and becoming a trusted adviser ? including on topics such as SOE reforms (national and municipal levels), sector reforms such as unbundling, market design, tariff reforms, regional connectivity / integration, setting up and providing capacity building for regulators etc; and corporate level governance reforms;
• Lead on the production of relevant sector reform roadmaps advancing the economic governance agenda, building consensus within the Bank and working closely with sector banking and the relevant ROs; establish priorities for EBRD’s contribution to energy and infrastructure sector development in specific countries;
• Contributes to country and relevant sector strategies discussed by the EBRD’s Board of Directors and serves as the focal point for SIG sectors’ policy initiatives in country and relevant sector strategies;
• Reform advocacy – establish buy-in from key external stakeholders (e.g. government authorities, regulators, IFIs and other market participants) on the importance of developing more competitive, resilient, well-governed and integrated energy and infrastructure sectors;
• Ensure smooth coordination with policy teams in VP3, legal transition, and banking departments to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of delivery; work closely with Impact to enhance the transition impact / ambition of projects and ensure timely and quality reporting of policy results; and with Donor Partnership to mobilize donor funding.

Transaction design and support:

• Proactively work with the Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) towards transactional opportunities, including ensuring that relevant transactions are aligned and identify reform opportunities with all public sector transactions;
• Design, develop and manage prioritisation and delivery of policy initiatives; coordinate with Climate Strategy and Delivery (CSD) on energy, water, and municipal sector reforms / transaction support, including Green Cities framework;
• Lead the design, development and management of flagship TC / policy frameworks such as the SMART (SOE Management Assistance for Reform and Transformation);
• Oversee the [selection and performance of external consultants, and portfolio of TCs managed by the Sector Reforms team to ensure quality execution, prioritisation of resources, and enhance effectiveness and efficiency of delivery.

Leadership and management, communications

• Lead organisation of conferences, workshops and seminars on specific topics relating to the Bank’s energy and infrastructure sector policy dialogues to enhance visibility and knowledge transfer and to improve CoO’s business environment and competitiveness;
• Responsible for coordinating / providing briefing notes and presentations for VP Policy senior management’s (VP, MD and Directors) contributions to management committees; lead production of policy notes, assessment reports and other analytical papers as needed;
• Participates in Board / Committee discussions on sector-related policy and operational matters as needed;
• Represent EBRD at high-level policy-making bodies and coordinate activities with other IFIs;
• Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of staff including recruitment, compensation (as agreed with the Head of Department, if applicable), performance management, coaching and development;
• 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 exhibited at all times.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

• Strong leadership experience, extensive sector knowledge and post-graduate professional/work experience, gained for example through employment in an international organisation, relevant financial or governmental institution, consultancy/company, think tank or academia;
• A postgraduate degree in economics or related field;
• Experience in policy engagements including with senior officials, and origination, structuring and implementation of energy or infrastructure projects;
• Excellent in communicating results to non-economist decision makers at a senior level;
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and strong track record of applying economic and policy analysis to operational strategy and economic policy-making;
• Experience of providing intellectual leadership on policy issues facing transition economies;
• Proven people management experience;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English;
• Knowledge of one or more languages from our Countries of Operations is an advantage.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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).

Right to Work in the UK: Swiss nationals (and all other non-UK employees) can work in the UK without a Visa – working at the EBRD gives all employees “exempt status”. The Bank however encourages all non-UK employees to obtain an Exempt Vignette (EV) prior to relocating to the UK, as without an EV you may face more questions at Border Control and when required to show evidence of their exempt status when renting accommodation under the Right to Rent legislation. The application process may take 3 – 4 weeks approx. outside of the UK.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
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