Associate, ESD (Financial Intermediaries)

About the Role
We are looking for a motivated Associate to join our Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD), with a primary focus on supporting the Bank’s Financial Intermediaries (FI) sector. This role involves independently assessing and monitoring environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts for a portfolio of bank and non-bank financial institutions and FI-issued capital market transactions. The successful candidate will also contribute to environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) and monitoring in other sectors, such as energy and infrastructure, supporting the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct ESDD and monitoring of FI projects, including bank and non-bank institutions, to oversee compliance with the Bank’s ESP and the E&S Requirements.
• Assess the ability of Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs) to manage E&S risks, including reviewing and advising on clients’ Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS).
• ESDD and monitoring PFI-issued capital markets transactions (representing ~25% of the FI portfolio), ensuring adequate assessment of E&S risks related to bonds, securitisations, and other structured products.
• Undertake ESDD for projects in other sectors, such as energy and infrastructure, as required.
• Contribute to negotiating environmental and social management plans (ESMPs), environmental and social action plans (ESAPs), covenants, and other contractual provisions.
• Coordinate meetings and events and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Build internal and external capacity by producing fact sheets and delivering brief information sessions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes, data management, and reporting methodologies.
• Work in line with the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours.

What We Are Looking For

• A degree in environmental and/or social sciences, economics, engineering, or related fields, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in assessing environmental and social risks and impacts, ideally within financial institutions, with capital markets experience advantageous.
• Knowledge of international standards (e.g., EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement, TCFD, TNFD, SSB, CSRD).
• Familiarity with financing instruments and environmental and social policy areas.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and in a team.
• 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).