Managing Director, Environment & Sustainability

Purpose of Job

The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for providing thought leadership and people leadership to the independent second line function charged with ensuring that the Bank delivers on its commitments to promote environmental and sustainable (E&S) development in all its activities as enunciated in the Articles Establishing the Bank (AEB) and on the standards set out in the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP).  

The MD is responsible for the periodic update of the ESP, for the continuous improvement of the EBRD’s E&S Framework and application of the associated E&S risk assessment methodology as it relates to the Banks ESP. 

This important role includes responsibility to mitigate and minimise to within risk tolerance as established within ESP, the reputational impacts of environmental and social issues associated with the Bank’s investment activities, operations and Technical Cooperation activities.

The role holder is expected to catalyse new environmental and social activities/benefits and deliver policy dialogue with national and regional authorities, within our countries of operation in support of the Bank’s objectives as they relate to environmental and social issues.

A key role of the ESD function is that of the 2nd line of defence (2LOD) in respect of managing the reputational risks arising from attribution of the Banks green and sustainability designations and results reporting. These include the Paris Alignment, the Green Economies in Transition (GET), related MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification), and E&S related data collection, analysis and reporting.

The role has responsibility to establish and operate the Banks Management Grievance mechanism relating to E&S related complaints directly submitted to Banks Management.  The role also includes co-operation on strategic initiatives with other IFI’s such as mutual reliance, human rights, health and safety and environmental issues.  

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Overall leadership of and accountability for:

• Developing and delivering the five-year policy frameworks for environmental and social issues under which the institution operates.
• Developing and implementing appropriate business process models for the team to deal with the diverse sector and geographic complexities of investment projects.
• Directing a complex range of functions/ technical expertise for project appraisal and oversight.
• ESD’s input to the Bank’s GET approach, aligned to the Bank’s overall strategy and second line of defence role including Paris Alignment.
• Responsible for the engagement and effective overall management of people, including attraction, performance management, coaching and development. Active role in strategic talent and workforce planning.
• Provide leadership and vision to the department and is responsible for educating and aligning individuals in the team with the Bank’s work, decisions, and objectives.
• Inform the Board on high-risk issues so that complex technical information can be communicated which can be relied upon.
• Protect the Institution from major reputational damage, while allowing the Bank to work on complex challenging projects, in collaboration with IPAM and CSG Units (VP3).
• Manage the prime interface role between Management and the IPAM function (which reports to the Board).
• Manage the financial and diverse technical resources of ESD so that an effective support/compliance function can operate in tandem.
• Incubate new activities such as climate change adaptation/road safety which can be used to develop new banking products and enhance transition.
• Carry out high level problem solving on unique high risk challenging projects and determine the optimal outcome using professional judgement and experience.
• Provide effective leadership in the development of best practice in reviewing gaps and providing solutions.
• Lead by example and promote a partnership approach to ensure effective co-operation, collaboration and working relationships between ESD and other departments in the Bank.  Maintain external networks to ensure that EBRD is aligned with the market practice.
• As a member of the Bank’s Senior Leadership Group (SLG), champion and role model the Bank’s Workplace Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the department so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.
• As a SLG member, contributes effectively in shaping the Bank’s strategy and engage in wider Bank initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

• Extensive practical project-based experience - gained either in another IFI, commercial sector or ideally, through the combination of both - of environmental and social issues in all the sectors in which the Bank invests or is involved in.
• Strong academic background in environmental and/or social sciences.
• Experienced people manager with demonstrable skill in fostering team collaboration, cohesion, and talent development.
• Proven track record of formulating strategy and policy objectives and implementing them successfully.
• Proven track record of successfully directing and delivering large complex programmes and projects.
• Experience implementing and embedding change and commitment to continuous improvement. 
• Knowledge of operations and challenges in regions where the EBRD is expanding its remit.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in setting the strategic direction of the organisation and implement on a geographically dispersed level.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate complex technical environmental and/or social issues to a wide range of internal (Board, Excom, IPAM etc) and external stakeholders (CSOs, media, capitals etc).
• Ability to devise creative solutions to problem solving on projects and policy and exercise professional judgement, based on extensive practical experience.
• Strong demonstrated partnership skills with a variety of stakeholders to enable positive engagement with teams throughout the Bank and contribute to the cohesiveness of the Bank's senior management.
• Excellent leadership, management and communication skills combined with a proven ability to motivate professionals to deliver business objectives effectively in a multi-cultural, results oriented organisation.

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).