Associate Director, Capability Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international organization established to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. Founded in 1991, the EBRD operates in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to fostering sustainable development. The bank's mission is to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to encourage private and entrepreneurial initiatives. The EBRD is known for its commitment to inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility, which are reflected in its workplace culture and operational strategies.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director, Capability Lead is a pivotal leadership role within the Information Technology division, responsible for overseeing the system delivery lifecycle and ensuring that all services and systems are delivered in alignment with the organization's vision, strategy, and budget. This position requires a strong focus on value delivery and collaboration with the Product Owner to maintain a clear roadmap for service delivery. The Associate Director will lead multiple teams within their service area, fostering an agile, self-organizing environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and robust service delivery. The role also involves managing third-party supplier relationships and ensuring that all services meet the bank's operational standards and governance models. The Associate Director will be instrumental in transforming the internal delivery group into a metrics-based, lean start-up organization, emphasizing shared ownership and effective planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Director will be responsible for the support, maintenance, and development of systems within their capability area. Key responsibilities include providing leadership for the development and maintenance of business systems, collaborating with peer capability areas to establish best practices, and ensuring adherence to Agile methodologies such as Scrum, SAFe, and Kanban. The role involves defining success criteria, managing the backlog, and ensuring that platforms meet the bank's service level agreements. The Associate Director will also contribute to the creation of IT policies and standards, manage risks, and oversee third-party contributions to ensure alignment with Agile principles. Financial monitoring, performance reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives will also fall under the Associate Director's purview, along with coaching and mentoring team members to foster a culture of quality and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong leadership skills, with a proven track record in managing people, finance, processes, and systems. The ideal candidate will have experience in a complex, multi-national Agile environment and be able to influence and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Strong judgment skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills in English are essential. Additionally, candidates should have Agile practitioner certification, such as PMI-ACP or equivalent, and experience in running maintenance and support teams in accordance with Agile principles. The ability to coach teams and foster a sense of community among peers is also crucial.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in Agile methodologies or project management are highly desirable. Continuous professional development in leadership and management practices is also encouraged to ensure the Associate Director remains at the forefront of industry standards and practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in delivering and maintaining business systems, with a strong background in Agile methodologies. Experience managing teams in a hybrid resourcing model, where services are provided by both internal teams and third-party suppliers, is essential. The role requires a deep understanding of the full stack business system lifecycle and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong communication skills necessary to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders. Additional language skills are considered an asset, particularly in the regions where the EBRD operates, as they can enhance collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract with a duration of 12 months. The role is full-time and based in London, United Kingdom. The EBRD encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, and values diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits and prioritizes employee wellbeing.