Principal, EU Partnerships

Purpose of Job

The Principal will play a key role in advancing the EU Pillar scorecard within the Donor Partnerships team at the EBRD. Reporting to the Associate Director, EU Donor Funds, the incumbent will oversee a portfolio of EU-funded instruments that support EBRD investments and policy dialogue in EU member states.

The role encompasses operational responsibilities related to the InvestEU programme – particularly the EU guarantee instrument – as well as other key EU funding frameworks, including the EU Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) and Horizon Europe. The Principal will drive the expansion and effective management of such instruments, working closely with Banking teams to structure new products requiring EU donor funding support, lead fundraising efforts, negotiate funding agreements, and ensure their successful implementation.

This position demands a strong understanding of EU institutions, financial instruments, and development financing. A collaborative approach to engaging with internal teams, EU counterparts, and national authorities is essential.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Develop and expand guarantee and grant programmes that support EBRD investments in EU member states, with a strong focus on mobilising private sector co-financing.
• Provide operational support to the broader InvestEU team within Donor Partnerships and Banking on guarantees management, deployment and associated reporting.
• Contribute to the preparation of operational manuals, fact sheets, templates, forms and tools to facilitate the successful implementation of the InvestEU programme.
• Serve as the Fund Manager for various EU grant-funded programmes, overseeing existing resources and pursuing additional fundraising opportunities.
• Identify and assess new EU funding opportunities, including collaboration with EBRD Resident Offices and national authorities in EU member states on EU instruments under shared management.
• Support the Associate Director in ensuring that risks associated with individual programmes are appropriately identified, managed and documented in legal agreements.
• Contribute to a coherent strategy for the deployment and fundraising of EU guarantee and blending instruments, staying abreast of EBRD’s sectoral, geographical and thematic priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, finance, business administration or related discipline; a CFA qualification is desirable.
• Relevant work experience in a private commercial bank or development finance institution, particularly in the area of unfunded financial instruments such as guarantees.
• Demonstrable understanding of international development policy and practice, with extensive experience working with donors – especially the European Union.
• Thorough understanding of the Bank’s business model, strategies, policies and organisation.
• Detailed knowledge and/or strong interest in the functioning of the EU institutions.
• Proven strong analytical and numerical skills are critical with the ability to interpret, summarise and present data and information effectively.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, to deadlines and under time pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.

“Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the “Apply” button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization’s application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.”