Principal, EU Partnerships

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

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition towards 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 and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. EBRD is committed to sustainability and inclusiveness, ensuring that its operations contribute positively to the economies and societies in which it works.

Job Overview:
The Principal, EU Partnerships will play a crucial role in managing EU funds in the Western Balkans, particularly overseeing the activities of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). This position involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the European Commission, bilateral donors, and international financial institutions (IFIs). The Principal will report to the Principal II, EU Partnerships, and will be responsible for ensuring that new conditionalities associated with the EU Reform and Growth Facility are effectively integrated into internal procedures. The role requires managing a portfolio of grants across multiple beneficiary countries, ensuring compliance with governance arrangements, and advising operational teams on funding proposals throughout the application process. The Principal will also lead coordination efforts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely implementation of grants and manage annual reporting exercises for public sector grants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Principal II, EU Partnerships to ensure that new conditionalities from the EU Reform and Growth Facility are reflected in internal procedures and monitored throughout implementation.
• Manage a portfolio of grants in up to three beneficiary countries, ensuring compliance with governance arrangements and advising operational teams on funding proposals from submission to approval.
• Lead coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely implementation of grants by the Infrastructure Project Facility.
• Manage the annual reporting exercise for public sector grants financed by the EWBJF, ensuring qualitative inputs and timely delivery.
• Participate in WBIF governance meetings to discuss and approve funding proposals.
• Conduct bi-annual portfolio reviews and milestone meetings for public sector infrastructure projects in coordination with various stakeholders.
• Ensure timely usage of budgets for communications and visibility activities across all public sector grants.
• Work with the Analyst to create knowledge-sharing products and prepare training materials for dissemination across operational teams.
• Manage a portfolio of existing EU IPA funds, providing financial, legal, and budgetary oversight. 1
• Address and resolve donor-related issues in conjunction with internal teams. 1
• Review and support negotiations of relevant EU Contribution Agreements and Financing Agreements. 1
• Promote EBRD projects targeting EU funds under the next EU Multi-annual Financial Framework. 1
• Maintain effective relations with donors and other stakeholders, advising operational teams on donor fund availability and internal policies.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, finance, international development, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the global aid architecture and the functioning of EU institutions.
• Relevant experience in an international financial institution, international organization, or private sector.
• Comprehensive understanding of grant and financial instruments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Strong numerical, analytical, negotiating, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under pressure and to deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, finance, international development, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of financial instruments and the operational frameworks of international financial institutions.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience working in an international financial institution, other international organizations, or in the private sector. This experience should include familiarity with grant management and financial oversight, as well as engagement with various stakeholders in the development sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across the regions served by the EBRD.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract lasting 10 months. The role is based in London, United Kingdom, and is full-time. The EBRD encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries, promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. The organization offers a hybrid working environment, emphasizing flexibility and employee well-being, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.