Principal I, Institutional Capacity & Delivery

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

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition to open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The organization operates in over 30 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to supporting economic development and reform. The EBRD is known for its commitment to sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation, and it plays a crucial role in facilitating investments that drive economic growth and improve living standards in the regions it serves.

Job Overview:
The Principal I, Institutional Capacity & Delivery position is a pivotal role within the Competitiveness and Economic Governance team at the EBRD. This role is primarily focused on the Ukraine Recovery and Reform Architecture (URA) programme, which is a flagship initiative aimed at supporting Ukraine's recovery and reform processes. The Principal I will be responsible for overseeing the effective delivery of key programme components, ensuring coordination among various stakeholders, and monitoring political and policy developments that impact the programme. The position requires a strategic thinker who can formulate proposals for new assignments, provide high-level advice to senior management, and engage in policy dialogue with the Government of Ukraine and international partners. The Principal I will work closely with reform teams and various internal stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the URA programme, which has been instrumental in facilitating hundreds of reform outcomes in Ukraine since its inception in 2016.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal I will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including overseeing the work of assigned Reform Support Teams (RSTs), managing priorities and work plans, and ensuring successful operations. The role involves effective coordination with project stakeholders, including government ministries, international organizations, and donor counterparts. The Principal I will participate in governmental working groups to align URA components with Bank and Government of Ukraine priorities. Additionally, the position requires identifying emerging needs for recovery and reconstruction, preparing briefing notes and reports for senior management, and ensuring compliance with EBRD internal teams. The Principal I will also contribute to negotiations on priority reforms with government counterparts, ensuring that the URA programme aligns with broader economic governance objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Principal I position must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as public policy, law, international relations, political economy, or economics. Significant hands-on experience in project management and coordination of complex donor-funded projects related to policy development and reform implementation in Ukraine is essential. A deep understanding of economic reforms, governance, and public administration issues in the transition region is required, along with knowledge of local and international stakeholders involved in Ukrainian reforms. Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to operate independently in political and diplomatic environments are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in fields such as public policy, law, international relations, political economy, or economics. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of economic governance and reform processes in Ukraine and the broader region.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have significant experience in project management, particularly with complex donor-funded initiatives related to policy development and reform implementation. This experience should include a strong track record of working with government entities and international organizations, demonstrating the ability to navigate political landscapes and engage effectively with senior officials.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also required, particularly for report writing and official documentation. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting for two years, with the possibility of temporary relocation to Warsaw, Poland, depending on business needs. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and international partners. The EBRD offers a competitive benefits package and promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background.