Associate Director, Head of Project Preparation and Implementation (PPI)

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

• Its mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs approximately 2,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and financial services, and aims to support sustainable development and economic growth in the regions it serves.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director, Head of Project Preparation and Implementation (PPI) plays a crucial role in managing the Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) sector's project delivery. This position involves overseeing the Project Preparation framework (PPF), designing transition concepts, and coordinating collaborative efforts with International Financial Institutions (IFIs), international agencies, and the private sector. The role requires frequent interaction with senior management and various teams within the organization to ensure effective project preparation, due diligence, and implementation monitoring. The PPI team also provides technical and digitalization support for the EBRD Green Cities programme, specifically focusing on Green Cities Action Plans (GCAPs). The position demands strong leadership and management skills to guide the PPI team in achieving the Bank's strategic objectives and transition mandate in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Director, Head of Project Preparation and Implementation is responsible for managing the PPI team, ensuring high-quality project delivery, and coordinating sector-level inputs for project preparation. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing all PPI staff, including recruitment, training, performance management, and development.
• Ensuring timely delivery of the PPI’s annual workflow and coordinating the development of transition agendas for SIG projects.
• Overseeing technical inputs for project preparation and managing project-level policy activities with regional banking teams.
• Organizing SIG’s participation in major international infrastructure meetings and representing the Bank at international forums.
• Collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to facilitate knowledge sharing and project preparation for large, complex initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent people management and negotiation skills, along with deep sector knowledge in infrastructure project preparation, planning, and implementation. A minimum of a Master’s Degree in planning, engineering, or economics with a specialization in infrastructure is required. Experience in public sector, consulting, or private sector roles related to infrastructure operations or construction is preferred. Familiarity with the infrastructure sector of IFIs is an asset, and the candidate should be capable of acting as a change agent in communication with departments outside of SIG.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as planning, engineering, or economics, with a specific focus on infrastructure sectors. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of project preparation and implementation in the infrastructure domain.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in managing teams and projects within the infrastructure sector. A mix of public sector, consulting, and private sector experience is preferred, particularly in roles that involve project preparation, planning, and regulatory compliance. Experience working with IFIs or in international development contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the EBRD's operational regions would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract role with a contract length that is not specified. The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace model, offering flexibility to employees. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The role is full-time and involves international collaboration, requiring the candidate to engage with various stakeholders across different countries.