Associate Director, Capability Lead - Digital Workplace

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 1991 to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, employing a diverse workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in the regions it serves. The EBRD's mission is to promote the transition to open and democratic market economies, and it aims to support projects that create jobs, enhance economic growth, and improve living standards. The bank's values of inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility guide its operations and interactions with stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director, Capability Lead is a pivotal leadership role within the Digital Workplace division of the EBRD's Information Technology department. This position requires close collaboration with the Associate Director, Product Owner to ensure that the delivery of services is value-focused and aligns with the organization's vision, strategy, roadmap, and budget. The Associate Director will oversee the entire system delivery lifecycle, which includes the introduction, delivery, maintenance, and continuous improvement of systems and services within their domain. The role operates within a flat, agile, self-organizing structure, comprising multiple product-aligned squads and scrums. The Associate Director is accountable for delivering the Product Owner's vision in accordance with the IT department's technical strategy and direction, enabling teams to meet established priorities. The goal of the capability area is to deliver and support robust, secure, stable, usable, elegant, and resilient full-stack business systems and services. The Associate Director will manage multiple teams and must possess extensive experience in delivering and maintaining services while adhering to solid Agile principles, including experience with hybrid resourcing models involving third-party suppliers.

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 support of the Bank's business systems, collaborating with peer capability areas to establish best practices, transforming the internal delivery group into a metrics-based, lean start-up organization, and ensuring that platforms meet the Bank's service level agreements (SLAs). The Associate Director will also manage third-party contributions, oversee financial monitoring and performance reporting, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. They will coach and mentor team members in Agile practices, create a culture of quality, and ensure effective engagement and management of staff, including recruitment and performance management. The role requires strong judgment skills, the ability to influence stakeholders, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong judgment skills at a leadership level, with a proven track record of solution orientation and problem-solving. Experience in managing people, finance, processes, and systems is essential, along with the ability to influence and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate political awareness and diplomatic skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment. Excellent active listening, interpersonal, and communication skills in English are required, along with experience in complex multi-national Agile environments. Agile practitioner certification, such as PMI-ACP or equivalent, is preferred, as is experience in running maintenance and support teams in accordance with Agile principles.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding advanced degrees or certifications in Agile methodologies, project management, or related disciplines. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in technology, business systems, or information technology management, enabling the candidate to effectively lead teams and manage complex projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in delivering and maintaining business systems and services, particularly within an Agile framework. Experience managing teams in a hybrid staff/outsourced organizational structure is essential, as is familiarity with third-party supplier management. The role requires a deep understanding of Agile principles and methodologies, as well as experience in financial monitoring and performance reporting within a technology context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires effective communication with a wide variety of stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract with a duration of 12 months. The role is based in London, United Kingdom, and may involve managing teams that are distributed across various geographical locations. The EBRD offers a hybrid workplace that emphasizes flexibility and employee well-being, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background.