Principal, Green Specialist

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

• Its mission is to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs approximately 2,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors, including banking, infrastructure, and energy, and aims to support sustainable development and environmental initiatives across its regions of operation.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Green Specialist, plays a crucial role in advancing the SME green agenda, which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, green financing, and promoting circular economy practices. This position is pivotal in supporting the design and implementation of green advisory programs that provide tailored business and sustainability advisory services to SMEs. The Principal will collaborate with various teams within the EBRD, particularly focusing on integrating green and sustainability aspects into the SME Financial and Development (F&D) initiatives. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing the green agenda, particularly in relation to climate change and environmental issues. The Principal will also be responsible for preparing assessments and impact reports, ensuring that the outcomes of green interventions are effectively communicated to stakeholders, including donors and internal teams. This position is designed for someone who is passionate about sustainability and has a strong background in environmental management and green finance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, Green Specialist, will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the development and implementation of SME green and sustainability programs that provide bespoke advisory services, including tailored projects and training sessions.
• Identifying new opportunities to advance the SME green agenda, focusing on areas such as climate change, circular economy, and green products.
• Leveraging partnerships with stakeholders, including financial institutions and government agencies, to promote scalable green initiatives that enhance SME access to finance.
• Providing technical guidance and training to financial institutions and corporates on best practices for implementing green solutions.
• Preparing and delivering assessments and impact reports on green interventions, highlighting successes and lessons learned.
• Participating in banking projects to drive impactful outcomes for EBRD clients.
• Developing knowledge-sharing resources to disseminate best practices on green initiatives.
• Tracking key performance indicators for programs involving green solutions and providing support to overcome obstacles.
• Coordinating with relevant teams within EBRD to enhance the effectiveness of green delivery and improve program reach.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Finance, or a related field, with a preference for those holding a Master’s degree. Additionally, relevant professional experience in consultancy or international financial institutions focusing on ESG, green finance, or environmental management is essential. A proven track record of building partnerships with stakeholders and providing technical guidance on green solutions is also required. Candidates should demonstrate deep knowledge of the SME and corporate sectors, sustainability solutions, and environmental regulations, along with excellent project management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Finance, or an equivalent field. A Master’s degree in a relevant area is preferred, as it indicates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex sustainability issues.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience, preferably gained from a consultancy organization or international financial institution, with a focus on ESG, green finance, or environmental management. Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with financial institutions and corporates is crucial, as is a background in providing technical guidance and training on green solutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the countries of operation would be considered an advantage, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting for 2 years. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to work in the office 50% of the time. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The EBRD also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and digital transformation in its operations.