Principal - Environment, Social & Governance (Corporate Services)

Purpose of Job

To lead the integration of ESG strategy across Corporate Services operations, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s values, Carbon Net Zero targets, and operational priorities. The role drives sustainability performance by advising stakeholders, embedding ESG frameworks, and translating sustainability objectives into measurable business outcomes.

Background

This role sits at the centre of Corporate Services’ sustainability agenda, supporting the development and implementation of ESG strategy across the Bank’s global property portfolio. It works closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Procurement, HR, CSD, ESD and Finance to embed ESG practices into day-to-day activities and long-term planning.

The role provides subject matter expertise on environmental and social risks, advising stakeholders on compliance, regulatory developments, and best practice. It also plays a key part in shaping ESG policies, supporting decision-making, and driving education and engagement across the organisation.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Corporate Services ESG strategy to align operational activities with the Bank’s sustainability objectives and Carbon Net Zero commitments
• Act as EBRD Internal Auditor for EMS14001, delivering the recertification for HQ with ambition to drive across the portfolio
• Collaborate across departments to deliver external reporting, such as ISSB and GRI, which require GHG emission capture and calculations
• Establish and maintain ESG performance frameworks and data processes to ensure accurate measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement of sustainability outcomes
• Assess ESG risks and opportunities across the property portfolio to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigate reputational and operational exposure
• Lead ESG assessments and due diligence across existing and new offices to identify performance gaps and implement improvement actions
• Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders to embed ESG considerations into decision-making, project delivery, and operational planning
• Engage and influence stakeholders across regions and functions to strengthen ESG awareness, drive behavioural change, and align on strategic priorities
• Monitor emerging ESG regulations, standards, and market developments to inform policy updates and innovation across Corporate Services
• Promote and role model the Bank’s behavioural competencies to reinforce a culture of integrity, accountability, and sustainability

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks, standards, and industry best practice, with the ability to translate these into operational policies and strategies across corporate real estate and workplace functions
• Demonstrable experience in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, including Scope 1, 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions, with practical application of recognised methodologies (e.g. GHG Protocol) and understanding of data capture, validation, and reporting processes
• Proven ability to design and implement ESG performance frameworks, including establishing metrics, KPIs, and governance processes to track and improve sustainability outcomes
• Advanced analytical capability, with experience interpreting ESG and operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and to support evidence-based decision-making
• Experience conducting ESG assessments, audits, or due diligence across multi-site or international operations, with the ability to identify gaps and implement practical improvement actions
• Strong understanding of regulatory developments and reporting expectations (e.g. sustainability disclosures), with the ability to translate requirements into business-relevant actions
• Commercial and financial awareness, with the ability to assess the cost, value, and feasibility of sustainability initiatives and link ESG performance to business outcomes
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working across functions, regions, and seniority levels to embed ESG principles into operational decision-making
• Solutions-oriented approach, with a track record of delivering ESG initiatives and integrating technology, data systems, or process improvements to enhance sustainability performance

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).