Associate, Policy

Purpose of Job

The Associate, Policy will work with the Regional Policy Lead (RPL), broader RPS team and VP3 regional and sectoral pillars covering Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to deliver the Bank’s transition mandate, focusing on priority policy / thematic areas in the region. While the Associate may have specific experience or qualifications, they will be expected to work flexibly across all the Bank’s policy areas of focus and to contribute to a coherent and holistic policy agenda in SSA.

Background

The Associate is part of VP3’s Regional Policy and Strategy (RPS) team. The RPS team designs and delivers, in close coordination with PSD, CSD and Banking teams, the Bank’s policy agenda in each of its countries of operations. It also prepares Country Strategies and related updates as well as policy compacts. It produces economic and political reviews of the Bank’s countries of operations, including assessments of consistency with Article 1 of the Agreement Establishing the Bank. The RPS team handles coordination within VP3 and Banking for all policy activities of the Bank in its Countries of Operations.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of policy dialogue workstreams in areas such as green transition, economic governance, competitiveness, human capital, digitalisation, and capital markets development.
• Work on a range of policy dialogue workstreams and transactions, acting as the key team member in coordination with the London-based VP3 teams and helping to deliver policy initiatives / TC or analytical assignments.
• Support Banking in the delivery of specific investments (including participating in Operations Committee and Board presentations), help deliver policy projects and objectives and prepare major administrative / data management processes supporting delivery of the Bank’s policy agenda in the region.
• Working under the direction of the RPL, take responsibility for delivery of a particular aspect of a thematic area or project.
• As agreed with RPL, represent the Bank in external forums.
• Engage with internal and external counterparts, including at senior governmental level, to advance the Bank’s transition objectives in a specific thematic area.
• Contribute to assessments of structural reform progress and economic performance in the SSA region to provide input into key Bank products, including the Regional Economic Prospects and the annual Transition Report.
• Contribute to the preparation of country diagnostics and country strategies in the SSA region.
• Perform ad hoc assignments, including background research on economic, sectoral and other policy developments, draft briefings, presentations, and short analyses/focus pieces.
• Support the RPL in the preparation of the policy compacts for the region.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Motivation – demonstrated strong commitment to, and understanding of, the Bank’s transition agenda; solid networking capabilities to build relationships in the SSA region with international and national partners.
• Education – relevant education to at least degree level in economics, development policy, industrial business, engineering, environmental sciences, transport, environmental or energy economics commerce or equivalent; or comparable professional experience.
• Experience – relevant work experience gained through roles in financial institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, consultancy firms, or think tanks. Solid understanding of development, governance, and institutional frameworks in the SSA region. Experience managing projects and playing a leadership role in multi-disciplinary teams delivering those projects; familiarity with finance and investment decision making; ability to work across priority policy areas (green transition, human capital, inclusion, competitiveness and economic governance, digital transition).
• Communication – capacity to communicate complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of stakeholders verbally and in writing; ability to build consensus and reach agreement in complex, multi- stakeholder environments.
• Language/Technical – excellent written and spoken English. Familiarity with a language of the EBRD countries of operations would be very advantageous. Computer literate (advanced Excel, PowerPoint and Word).

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).