Associate in Environment and Sustainability Department

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 open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiative in the countries where it operates. The EBRD is headquartered in London and has a diverse workforce of over 2,000 employees from various nationalities and cultures. The Bank operates in more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and financial institutions. The EBRD is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, integrating these principles into its operations and investments.

Job Overview:
The Associate position within the Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD) is designed for a motivated individual who will primarily support the Bank’s Financial Intermediaries (FI) sector. This role is crucial as it involves the independent assessment and monitoring of environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts associated with a diverse portfolio of financial institutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in conducting environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) and monitoring across various sectors, including energy and infrastructure, thereby supporting the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) commitments. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure compliance with E&S requirements and to contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and methodologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate include conducting ESDD and monitoring of financial intermediary projects, which encompasses both bank and non-bank institutions. The Associate will oversee compliance with the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) and E&S Requirements. Key tasks involve assessing the capacity of Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs) to manage E&S risks, which includes reviewing and advising on clients’ Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS). The role also entails ESDD and monitoring of PFI-issued capital markets transactions, ensuring thorough assessment of E&S risks related to bonds, securitisations, and other structured products. Additionally, the Associate will undertake ESDD for projects in other sectors as needed, contribute to negotiating environmental and social management plans (ESMPs), and coordinate meetings and events while liaising with both internal and external stakeholders. The position also requires building internal and external capacity through the production of fact sheets and delivering brief information sessions, as well as contributing to the enhancement of internal processes, data management, and reporting methodologies. The Associate is expected to work in alignment with the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in environmental and/or social sciences, economics, engineering, or related fields, or have equivalent professional experience. It is essential to have experience in assessing environmental and social risks and impacts, preferably within financial institutions, with capital markets experience being advantageous. Knowledge of international standards such as EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement, TCFD, TNFD, SSB, and CSRD is required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, excellent time management, organizational skills, and effective interpersonal skills are also necessary. The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting is crucial, along with excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in additional languages relevant to EBRD countries of operation is considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in environmental and/or social sciences, economics, engineering, or related fields. Candidates with equivalent professional experience in relevant areas may also be considered. A strong foundation in environmental and social policy, as well as familiarity with financing instruments, is highly beneficial for this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in assessing environmental and social risks and impacts, ideally within financial institutions. Experience with capital markets is considered advantageous, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of international standards and practices related to environmental and social governance.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken in EBRD countries of operation is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract with a contract length that is not specified. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The Bank values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates from EBRD member countries to apply, regardless of their background. Due to the high volume of applications, the EBRD may not provide detailed feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.