Associate Director, Senior Political Counsellor, Sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose of Job

The Senior Political Counsellor is responsible for assessing progress in democratic transition of the EBRD’s countries of operations and their compliance with the Article 1 of the AEB and other political aspects of the Bank’s mandate. S/he monitors, analyses and reports on political developments in a number of EBRD recipient countries and sub-regions falling under her or his respective portfolio;  plays an important role in  preparing Country Strategies and relevant policy documents; provides advice to the senior management and the Board on the political and diplomatic perspectives of the  Bank’s activities; assesses country-level political risk,  supports high-level political dialogue with the Bank’s countries of operations and liaises at a high level with members of the governments, political leaders and inter-governmental organisations active in the transition region.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse political developments in assigned countries, with focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, using a wide range of remote and in-country sources in order to assess compliance with the Bank’s Article 1 mandate.
• Prepare political and political economy assessments for the Country Diagnostics, Country Strategies and Country Strategy Updates, which will set the appropriate context for the Bank’s investment and policy engagement.
• Advise President/Senior Management as well as the Board of Directors on political developments in the region of operations and prepare written briefs as needed in order to steer high-level political and policy dialogue, identify political economy factors affecting the Bank’s operations, gauge political and operational risk, and facilitate the Bank’s operations in the recipient countries.
• Liaise with high-level officials in the governments and other bodies in member countries relevant to the political aspects of the Bank’s activities, maintain political dialogue and serve as a focal point for contact with relevant government departments/institutions (i.e., foreign affairs, regional affairs, national parliaments).
• Maintain links with relevant inter-governmental organisations with strong interest and presence in EBRD region (UN and its agencies and relevant regional organisations).

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as politics, diplomacy, international relations; Ph.D. preferred.
• Extensive hands-on experience in  a number of SSA countries.
• In-depth knowledge of the politics, history and culture of a significant group of SSA countries.
• Diplomatic experience/sophisticated diplomatic skills required for regular contact with high-level national and international officials.
• A good understanding of political economy issues in SSA
• Ability to operate independently at a senior level in political, diplomatic and business environments, extensive high level political contacts.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills in English at the standard required for official documents.
• Strong partnership skills.
• Fluency in language(s) spoken in the region.

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).