Associate, Food and Agribusiness, SBI

Purpose of Job

The Associate supports and expands the activities of the Bank in the area of climate change and circular economy and related investments with a particular focus in the Agricultural value chain; through the identification and the development of dedicated projects and project components, innovative financing schemes and new partnerships and initiatives in order to align investments consistent with Low Carbon Pathways aligned with the Paris Agreement.

The role will entail:
i) identifying, defining and structuring low carbon investments working across the regional and banking matrix with private and public sector Clients in the Food and Agribusiness sector;
ii) supporting the definition of innovative investment vehicles to promote, aggregate and scale up EBRD investments;
iii) supporting the development and implementation of technical assistance assignments to ensure GET investment activity;
iv) supporting the delivery of relevant policy dialogue activities with local authorities to accelerate the decarbonisation of the sectors;
v) supporting the implementation of relevant market/sector/country analytics to inform investment programmes.

Reporting to the AD, Head of SBI, the Associate will support all activities within the banking life cycle related to the implementation of the transactions covering areas such as support to business/pipeline development, client management, policy dialogue, donor funded report, and all aspects related to the implementation of the program. 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

•    Under the direction of the AD, Head of SBI, support banking teams with marketing and business development efforts in the relevant sectors.
•    Work as a team member at project level to identify investment opportunities for climate and sustainable resource technologies (energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials efficiency, waste minimisation, circular economy), with specific focus on corporate sector operations.
•    Under the supervision of the AD, Head of SBI and other senior members of the CSD team, lead the identification and structuring of capital investment appraisals of sustainable resource investments and review the associated implementation and operational risks.
•    Undertake marketing and business development efforts in the relevant sub-sector and countries to build reputable market contacts and develop deal flow and cross selling of the Bank’s competencies.
•    As a project team member, influence clients in order to structure and deliver Green Economy Transition (GET) element of banking transactions to ensure that GET is mainstreamed/maximised in the projects financed by EBRD and transactions comply with internal governance e.g. Paris Alignment.
•    Work as a project team member to develop new products and contribute to all other aspects project structuring and execution, including implementing, and monitoring.
•    Support the implementation of relevant market/sector/country analytics to promote specific GET investments.
•    Under the direction of the AD, Head of SBI, provide technical input, share experience and project lessons learnt to specific assigned tasks and sub-tasks under the joint EBRD and FAO Initiative: Agri-food Climate and Environmental Sustainability (ACES); 
•    Assist in providing necessary support, in the form of relevant information or documentation for meeting participation, towards efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds to complement investment projects or required as part of policy dialogue effort.
•    Support the delivery of policy dialogue assignments and formulation of policy dialogue interventions required to put in place and improve regulations enabling GET investments. 

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

•    Relevant degree (minimum Master Level) in a technical, engineering or science discipline, (e.g. food /process/chemical/industrial/ engineering). A combination of technical and commercial skills is advantageous.
•    Good knowledge and understanding of the Paris Agreement and of the design/development/implementation of Low Carbon Roadmaps/Pathways. 
•    Good understanding of policy analysis and policy formulation in the areas of climate change, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, technology transfer and energy. 
•    Good understanding of the Climate related impacting the agribusiness value chains, in terms of climate physical risk, carbon transition and corresponding methodologies and metrics. 
•    Good technical and commercial work experience gained from: i) an engineering and/or consultancy organisation with a preference in agribusiness value chains/ circular economy; or ii) a company operating in the food, agribusiness or manufacturing sectors; or iii) a bank, equity fund, advisory services, corporate finance firm; within a period of 6-10 years and demonstrable track record of successful project development/deployment.
•    Knowledge and experience with energy/resource efficiency technologies and practices with a very strong awareness and interest in the related issues (energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, process optimisation, materials efficiency, circular economy and operation of commercial assets etc.) 
•    Good understanding of business and finance principles. 
•    Experience in emerging markets, specifically the EBRD region.
•    Computer literacy and excellent written/oral communication skills in English are essential. Knowledge of French, or Russian, or Arabic are of significant advantage. 
•    Ability to operate consistently within business guidelines and ethics and work sensitively in multicultural environments, building effective working relations with clients and colleagues.
•    Self-motivated, ability to work to and meet tight deadlines and to plan and organise work unsupervised in a logical and efficient manner.
•    Ability to communicate appropriate, concise and accurate information in verbal and written formats, appropriate to the audience at the time and confidence in handling senior stakeholders. 
•    The ability to tackle issues and problems in a logical and practical manner

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).