Principal, Policy

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international organization that was established in 1991 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 a diverse workforce that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The organization is committed to sustainability, equality, and digital transformation, and it prioritizes employee wellbeing by offering a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. The EBRD's core values include Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility, which guide its operations and interactions with stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Policy position is a critical role within the EBRD, focusing on the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. The individual in this role will collaborate closely with the Regional Policy Lead (RPL) and various sectoral pillars to advance the Bank's transition mandate. The Principal is expected to engage flexibly across all areas of the Bank's focus, contributing to a coherent and holistic policy agenda. Key responsibilities include supporting the development of sector-specific reform agendas in areas such as green transition, economic governance, human capital, and digitalization. The Principal will also contribute to assessments of structural reform progress and economic performance, draft key Bank products, and prepare country diagnostics and strategies. This role requires a strategic mindset to enhance the Bank's impact and foster private capital mobilization, as well as the ability to engage with senior governmental counterparts and represent the Bank in external forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, Policy will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the development of sector-specific reform agendas in key areas such as green transition, economic governance, human capital, competitiveness, digitalization, and capital markets development.
• 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.
• Collaborating with country banking teams to prepare country diagnostics and strategies.
• Assisting the RPL in preparing policy compacts for the SSA region.
• Leading or participating in complex transactions or projects, taking full responsibility for delivering specific policy initiatives or analytical assignments.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including senior government officials, to advance the Bank's transition objectives.
• Representing the Bank in external forums and contributing to strategic discussions on enhancing impact in various sectors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Principal, Policy position must possess a postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) in economics, finance, public or business administration, or a closely related field. They should have relevant work experience 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 essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong networking capabilities and a commitment to the Bank's transition agenda, as well as the ability to communicate complex policy issues effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree, either a master's or a PhD, in fields such as economics, finance, public administration, business administration, or closely related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of the economic and policy landscape in the SSA region and for effectively contributing to the Bank's objectives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial relevant work experience, ideally gained through roles in financial institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, consultancy firms, or think tanks. Experience in managing projects and leading multi-disciplinary teams is essential, as is familiarity with finance and investment decision-making processes. Candidates should have a proven track record of working across various priority policy areas, including green transition, human capital, inclusion, competitiveness, and economic governance.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as the ability to communicate complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of stakeholders is crucial. Candidates should also possess the capacity to represent the Bank effectively in both English and other languages at forums and with stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse partners in the SSA region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract with a contract length that is not specified. The deadline for applications is set for August 26, 202

• The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals, emphasizing trust, flexibility, and connectedness. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages all qualified candidates, regardless of their background, to apply. The EBRD also notes that due to the high volume of applications received, detailed feedback will not be provided to candidates who are not shortlisted.