Principal, Policy

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 199

• Its mission is to promote the transition to market economies in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and beyond. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries, focusing on fostering sustainable development and investment in the private sector. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to promoting equality and inclusion in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Policy position is a high-impact role within the EBRD's Regional Policy and Strategy (RPS) team, based in Cotonou, Benin. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and delivering impactful policy engagements across EBRD’s countries of operation in Sub-Saharan Africa. This role requires a versatile policy expert with strong regional knowledge and project leadership experience. The Principal will work closely with the Regional Policy Lead and various sectoral pillars to deliver the Bank’s transition mandate, focusing on priority policy areas such as green transition, competitiveness, economic governance, human capital, capital market development, and digitalisation. The position demands flexibility across all areas of focus and the ability to contribute to a coherent and holistic policy agenda in the SSA region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, Policy will support the development of sector-specific reform agendas in key areas, including green transition, economic governance, human capital, competitiveness, digitalisation, and capital markets development. Responsibilities include contributing to assessments of structural reform progress and economic performance in SSA countries, drafting key Bank products like the Regional Economic Prospects and the annual Transition Report, and preparing country diagnostics and strategies in coordination with banking teams. The Principal will also support the preparation of policy compacts for the SSA region, manage complex projects or transactions, and provide strategic insights on sectors where the Bank can enhance impact. Engagement with internal and external counterparts, including senior governmental officials, is crucial to advance the Bank’s transition objectives. The role also involves representing the Bank in external forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) in economics, finance, public or business administration, or a closely related field. Relevant work experience is essential, ideally gained through roles in financial institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, consultancy firms, or think tanks. A solid understanding of development, governance, and institutional frameworks in the SSA region is required, along with experience in managing projects and leading multi-disciplinary teams. Familiarity with finance and investment decision-making is also important, as is the ability to work across various priority policy areas.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) in a relevant field such as economics, finance, public or business administration is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of policy development and implementation in the context of the EBRD's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant relevant work experience, ideally in roles that involve financial institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, consultancy firms, or think tanks. Experience in managing projects and leading teams is essential, as well as a solid understanding of the development landscape in the SSA region. The ability to navigate complex policy environments and deliver results in multi-disciplinary teams is critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and French is mandatory for this position. The ability to effectively communicate complex policy and technical issues in both languages is essential, as the Principal will represent the Bank in various forums and engage with stakeholders across the region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract with a posting end date of 10/07/202

• The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The organization values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates from EBRD member countries to apply, regardless of their background. The EBRD is committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace.