Senior Political Counsellor

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 and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on fostering sustainable development and supporting the private sector in its member countries, with a strong emphasis on inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Counsellor plays a crucial role in assessing the democratic transition progress in the EBRD’s countries of operations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This position involves monitoring and analyzing political developments, ensuring compliance with the Bank’s Article 1 mandate, and preparing strategic documents that guide the Bank's investment and policy engagement. The Senior Political Counsellor will provide high-level advice to senior management and the Board, facilitating political dialogue and assessing country-level political risks. This role requires a deep understanding of the political landscape in the region and the ability to engage with high-level officials and inter-governmental organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Political Counsellor is responsible for monitoring and analyzing political developments in assigned countries within the Sub-Saharan Africa region. This includes utilizing various remote and in-country sources to assess compliance with the Bank’s Article 1 mandate. The role involves preparing political and political economy assessments for Country Diagnostics, Country Strategies, and updates, which are essential for the Bank’s investment and policy engagement. The Senior Political Counsellor will advise the President, Senior Management, and the Board of Directors on political developments, preparing written briefs to guide high-level political and policy dialogue. Additionally, the role requires maintaining political dialogue with high-level officials in member countries and liaising with relevant inter-governmental organizations, ensuring that the Bank's activities align with the political context of the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as politics, diplomacy, international relations, or political economy, with a Ph.D. being preferred. Extensive hands-on experience in EBRD recipient countries is essential, along with in-depth knowledge of the politics, history, and culture of a significant group of countries in the EBRD region. Candidates should demonstrate sophisticated diplomatic skills for regular contact with high-level national and international officials, a good understanding of political economy issues in the transition region, and the ability to operate independently at a senior level in political, diplomatic, and business environments. Excellent communication and report writing skills in English are required, along with strong partnership skills and fluency in relevant regional languages.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in a relevant field, such as politics, diplomacy, international relations, or political economy. A Ph.D. is preferred, indicating a high level of expertise and understanding of complex political and economic issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive hands-on experience in a number of EBRD recipient countries, demonstrating a deep understanding of the political landscape and the ability to navigate complex political environments. Experience in high-level political dialogue and engagement with government officials is crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the position requires excellent communication and report writing skills. Additionally, fluency in languages spoken in the region is highly desirable, as it facilitates better engagement with local stakeholders and enhances the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a regular contract type. The contract length is not specified, but the posting end date for applications is set for January 26, 202

• The EBRD encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The organization offers a hybrid work environment that emphasizes flexibility and employee wellbeing, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.