European Bank for Reconstruction & Development About the Role We are seeking an experienced Principal to join our Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD) team. The successful candidate will primarily support the Bank's Financial Intermediaries (FI) sector, providing specialist environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) and monitoring a diverse FI portfolio, including private equity funds, banks, and non-bank financial institutions. Additionally, the role will involve conducting ESDD in other sectors, such as the energy sector, and requires experience performing ESDD on high-risk Category A projects. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of sustainable finance and risk management, overseeing that the Bank's projects and investments meet EBRD's Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) requirements. Key Responsibilities - Lead the environmental and social appraisal, monitoring, and verification of FI projects in compliance with the Bank's ESP and the Environmental and Social Requirements. - Manage a portfolio of FI clients, including oversight of private equity funds' environmental and social (E&S) management systems, and support their capacity to assess and manage high-risk Category A projects, particularly in the energy sector. - Provide ESDD and monitoring input on FI-issued capital market transactions, which comprise approximately 25% of the FI portfolio, ensuring sound E&S risk assessment for structured products, bonds, and securitisations. - Conduct ESDD for non-FI projects as required, such as for the energy sector. - Develop and negotiate environmental and social management plans (ESMPs), environmental and social action plans (ESAPs), contractual provisions, and covenants. - Engage directly with FI clients, equity fund managers, co-investors, and other financial institutions to build and strengthen E&S risk management systems. - Represent ESD in client, lender, and stakeholder meetings, contributing to key initiatives, partnerships, and industry forums. - Provide internal and external capacity-building, training FI clients and mentoring junior ESD staff. - Contribute to developing and continuously improving ESD policies, procedures, and tools. What We Are Looking For - A degree in environmental and/or social sciences, economics, engineering, or related fields, or equivalent professional experience. - Proven environmental and social due diligence expertise, particularly within financial institutions, equity funds, and capital market transactions. - Experience overseeing or supporting FI clients in managing high-risk projects, including Category A energy sector projects. - Knowledge of international standards (e.g., EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement, TCFD, TNFD, SSB, CSRD). - Familiarity with financial instruments such as equity, debt, and capital markets products. - Demonstrated leadership, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills. - Strong project management abilities and experience coordinating multi-stakeholder processes. - Effective communication, mentoring, and capacity-building skills. - Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages of EBRD countries of operation are advantageous. What is it like to work at the EBRD? Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. The EBRD environment provides you with: - Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in; - A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity; - An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. Diversity is one of the Bank's core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time. Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration). Right to Work in the UK: Swiss nationals (and all other non-UK employees) can work in the UK without a Visa - working at the EBRD gives all employees "exempt status". The Bank however encourages all non-UK employees to obtain an Exempt Vignette (EV) prior to relocating to the UK, as without an EV you may face more questions at Border Control and when required to show evidence of their exempt status when renting accommodation under the Right to Rent legislation. The application process may take 3 – 4 weeks approx. outside of the UK. How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position - Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance. - For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitmentcinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility. "Important Application Information: Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting." Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation Role: Other Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%