Senior Biodiversity Advisor (Associate Director)

Purpose of Job

We are seeking a Senior Biodiversity Advisor to join our Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD). The Senior Biodiversity Advisor will be ESD’s focal point and subject matter expert for biodiversity and nature related matters.  The Senior Biodiversity Advisor will work with ESD and Bank staff, clients and advisors to deliver the Bank’s biodiversity related requirements under its Environmental and Social Policy as they relate to the environmental and social project appraisal and monitoring of the Bank's portfolio of projects and activities in various sectors, as well as biodiversity and nature related policy and guidance. The Senior Biodiversity Advisor will further manage and lead on the appraisal and monitoring of complex and high-risk projects, provide specialist input, and conduct oversight of a range of projects and sectors.

Key responsibilities

• As ESD subject matter expert for biodiversity, specifically the requirements of EBRD’s Environmental and Social Requirement (ESR) 6, provide, as appropriate, specialist biodiversity and nature related input, guidance and oversight to projects, Technical Cooperation (TCs) assignments and other initiatives, including nature finance.

• Lead, coordinate and/or contribute specialist biodiversity input to the Bank’s biodiversity related (including ESR 6) policies, guidance, methodologies and position papers.

• Participate in and represent ESD in MDB and other biodiversity working groups and other initiatives.

• Technically lead, manage, oversee and/or coordinate a range of projects or tasks, including complex and high risk projects and TCs.

• Provide specialist input and advice, review E&S documentation, negotiate E&S contract terms, and liaise with EBRD staff, clients, and consultants.

• Undertake work travel independently and/or lead ESD/consultant project appraisal/monitoring teams.

• Represent ESD internally and externally at various fora including project, client, lender and stakeholder meetings and other events.

• Provide guidance and advice to ESD and Bank staff, as well as clients, other lenders and other stakeholders on biodiversity matters including via mentoring and coaching staff, disseminating knowledge, undertaking capacity building and presenting at workshops/conferences.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and procedures, including the streamlining, collection, management and automation of data.
• Champion and role-model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the department/teams so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are always exhibited

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Advanced degree in ecology, biology, or related field.
• Proven track-record in appraising, managing and advising on biodiversity and nature risks and impacts, as well as other complex environmental and/or social risks, for a range of complex and high-risk projects and/or sectors including energy, infrastructure, mining, etc., across various geographies.
• 10-15 years relevant professional experience, including 5 years in senior level biodiversity roles.
• Expert, in depth, understanding and practical experience of international biodiversity safeguarding standards/requirements (e.g., IFC PS6, EBRD PR/ESR6, etc) as well as EU biodiversity legislation (Habitats and Birds Directive), its application and interoperability, where relevant, with IFI standards.
• Experience of international good practice environmental and social standards/guidelines (e.g. EBRD PRs/ESRs,  IFC PS, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement alignment, Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) & ESRS E4, sector guidelines, etc).
• Knowledge of financing instruments, approaches, and processes as well as IFI, or similar, policies and procedures, including policy development.
• Experience/familiarity with the countries in which the Bank operates / plans to operate.
• Track record in project management, leading/conducting oversight of multi-disciplinary teams and delivering a solution-orientated and risk-assessment based approach on complex and high-risk projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently or lead/oversee project/task teams in a multicultural environment.
• Effective time management and organisational skills and ability to multi-task and delegate tasks.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Familiarity with a language of the EBRD countries of operations would be advantageous.
• Proven experience communicating complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of senior level stakeholders and decision makers, verbally and in writing;
• Experience mentoring and coaching junior staff.
• Experience in negotiations, persuasion, and influencing skills in internal and external engagement activities to deliver the ESD’s and Bank’s objectives, based on effective communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with internal/external clients and colleagues.

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).