Principal Social Advisor, Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD)

About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Principal Social Advisor to join our Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD). In this role, you will play a key role in delivering the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) commitments, focusing on social assessment, appraisal and monitoring of complex and high-risk projects and activities across various sectors, primarily mining, energy and infrastructure but also manufacturing and services, agribusiness and biofuels.

This is an excellent opportunity for a purpose-driven professional to work on complex and high-impact projects in collaboration with international experts and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the environmental and social appraisal and monitoring of Bank-financed projects, programmes and initiatives.
• Lead social assessments, appraisals and monitoring in areas of land acquisition and resettlement, labour and working conditions, occupational and public health and safety, supply chains, cultural heritage, indigenous peoples, and stakeholder engagement.
• Undertake site visits to EBRD’s countries of operation.
• Provide strategic input on compliance, policy and sustainability-related matters.
• Engage with key stakeholders including EBRD staff and management, clients, government representatives, communities and civil society organisations.
• Manage or support internal and external project teams, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver effective, ESP-aligned outcomes.
• Represent ESD at internal and external fora, project meetings, and stakeholder consultation events.
• Take thematic ownership of key social policy or safeguard areas and contribute to policy improvement.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to capacity-building across EBRD teams.
• Support innovation in data management, reporting methodologies, and procedural efficiency.
• Work in line with the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours.

What We Are Looking For:

We’re looking for a thoughtful, analytical, and proactive professional who thrives in collaborative and mission-focused environments. You should have:

• A degree in social sciences, economics, international development, or related fields.
• A proven record in assessing, appraising and managing/monitoring social risks on complex and high-risk mining, energy and/or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge and working experience of applying international social safeguards and standards (e.g., EBRD ESP, World Bank Group/International Finance Corporation, Equator Principles, Asian Development Bank, etc),
• Practical experience in carrying out social impact assessments, labour assessments, resettlement planning and stakeholder engagement essential.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience working in or with emerging markets or countries where EBRD operates.
• Strong project management and leadership experience, with the ability to lead project/initiative teams and coach others. 
• Ability to work independently and work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience working on projects involving indigenous peoples is an advantage.
• Experience with public sector entities in sovereign, infrastructure or other types of projects is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is essential. Additional languages, especially from EBRD regions, is an advantage.

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).