Managing Director, Southeastern Europe

Purpose of Job

The MD, South-Eastern Europe (SEE) is responsible for the Bank’s overall presence and activities in the Western Balkans (including Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina), Romania, Bulgaria, Greece & Cyprus – the latter two will be on a portfolio run-off basis as the EBRD mandate in Cyprus already expired, while the mandate in Greece expires at the end of 2025 This comprises formulating and delivering the Bank’s approach and business plan as well as country strategies for the region, managing, motivating and leading a large team, business development, broad based policy dialogue with the respective authorities and close coordination of the Bank’s activities with IFIs, the EU, bilateral institutions and other stakeholders.

Based in the Belgrade Regional Hub Office, the MD leads the regional business group dedicated to South-eastern Europe, heads the Regional Hub Office, performs the duties of Country Director for Serbia, and oversees the Bank’s comprehensive activities across the other countries in the region.

Working with fellow regional and sector MDs across the Bank, they are a key contributor to the design and implementation of the Bank’s overall mandate, are involved in the formulation of the Bank’s strategy and business plan as well as its Transformation agenda, while ensuring the efficient use of resources.

The appointment to this position is envisaged to be for an initial duration of 4 years, in line with the Bank’s practice for appointments to the Senior Leadership Group (SLG). 

Facts/Scale

Overall, the Annual Business Volume (ABI) of the SEE region in 2024 amounted to EUR 3bn in 176 transactions, representing ~18% of Bank’s total ABI. Since the start of operations, EBRD has invested a total of EUR 38.5bn in the region in 1909 transactions. The total regional portfolio as of November 2025 stands at ~EUR 12.3bn, with operating assets (OA) of EUR 7.5bn. The share of private sector in the portfolio is 68%.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Define, in consultation with external and internal stakeholders and in agreement with other Banking and non-Banking teams and the Bank’s executive management, the strategic direction of the Bank with respect to investment operations and policy reform engagement in the SEE region.
• Accountable for the delivery of strategy, encompassing all relevant business areas of the SEE region: prioritise, coordinate and manage activities across the regional Business Group according to respective country strategies, monitoring outcomes and advising the relevant teams, the VP, Banking and the Bank’s executive management on key strategic matters and developments. Engage with Board members to ensure their continued understanding and support for the Bank's activities in the countries.
• Provide business leadership, ensuring the delivery of the Group’s objectives (and performing the duties of Country Director for Serbia), including origination, execution and implementation of investment projects, jointly with sector MDs, as well as policy reform and business advisory operations in the countries and in all sectors, in line with the agreed country strategies, annual business plan and in compliance with the Bank’s integrity procedures, operational principles and transition mandate.
• Lead policy reform dialogue with governments and other stakeholders, maintaining close engagement and coordinated planning and delivery with the Policy and Partnerships Vice-Presidency on the EBRD's stepped up engagement in policy reform. This includes monitoring of ongoing implementation of policy activities through close cooperation with Regional Policy Leads.
• Represent the Bank and where relevant, support the GR and (Sector) Deputy Heads and Country heads in the region, Regional Sector Heads, Regional Policy Leads, other non-Banking teams, as well as the Bank’s executive management, in high-level business and institutional relationships with the business community, political leaders at all levels, as well as senior officials of multilateral institutions and other public or private bodies.
• Work closely with Sector MDs, and where relevant, (Sector) Deputy Heads and Regional Sector Heads to oversee the existing portfolio of loans and investments with a view to building and protecting revenue-earning assets. Guarantee and oversee the business group’s full compliance with the Bank's integrity procedures and operational risk management.
• Ensure high level problem solving in relation to business, policy reform or institutional issues with various clients and stakeholders, in relation to the implementation of the Bank’s mandate in the region.
• As a member of EBRD's senior management team, the MD will promote, contribute to and implement the Transformation Agenda, in particular in relation to the Location of Work project,  to improve further the Bank's effectiveness and efficiency.
• Promote product innovation and development across teams to anticipate/respond to market and transition requirements.
• Accountable for the effective and cohesive overall integration and management of the staff based in the region including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and professional development, jointly with sector senior management, and ensure the teams observe the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Coordinate effectively with non-Banking MDs and directors, as applicable, on all relevant activities to ensure optimal use of the Bank’s resources and a joined-up approach with other departments across the Bank aimed at delivering common objectives as part of the Bank’s mandate.
• Lead, guide and coach direct reports and take primary responsibility for developing motivation and professionalism across the Business Group.
• Accountable for the effective management of all offices in the Group, of the budget jointly with sector senior management and other non-staff resources in coordination with relevant business units at HQ to ensure an efficient  utilisation of resources in strict compliance with the rules and procedures of the Bank, such as corporate procurement, budget processes, travel and expenses policy, the Staff Handbook and the Resident Offices’ online manual.
• Champion and role model the Bank’s Leadership Competencies and Workplace Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive relevant international experience, preferably in a major investment, commercial or development bank, with significant exposure to the EBRD region.
• High level banking skills, experience and expertise in developing, structuring, negotiating and monitoring investment transactions including equity, loans and commercial co-financing.
• Experience in leading policy reform dialogue with government authorities and international financial institutions/EU.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives within a sector or a country, preferably in Serbia and/or Romania.
• Experience and record of accomplishments in negotiating and managing complex situations with multiple stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in leading, motivating and developing a large team, with a proven record of accomplishment in performance management and demonstrating behaviours required for the role.
• Relevant academic background at post-graduate level or equivalent combination of academic and professional qualifications.
• Strong partnership skills to enable positive engagement and contribution to the SLG and CLG, and other senior management groups, to contribute to the cohesiveness of the Bank's senior management and its drive behind the EBRD’s continuous improvement programme.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.  

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.   

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).