Principal I, EU Partnerships

Purpose of Job

The Principal I will work with the team responsible for EU funds in the Western Balkans and overseeing the activities of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) with the EC, bilateral donors, IFIs and the beneficiary countries. 
The role reports to the Principal II, EU Partnerships and works closely with all colleagues in EU Partnerships, Donor Partnerships, the wider Client Services Group, and other Departments.  

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

WBIF

•    Work with the Principal II, EU Partnerships to ensure that new conditionalities associated with the EU Reform and Growth Facility are adequately reflected in internal procedures, monitored, and reported throughout implementation.  
•    Manage a portfolio of grants in up to 3 beneficiary countries. Includes monitoring of grants in compliance with governance arrangements and advising operational teams on new funding proposals throughout the application, screening and assessment processes, from submission until approval by the WBIF Operational Board.
•    Lead coordination with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely; implementation of all grants by the Infrastructure Project Facility, a third-party consultancy arrangement for Beneficiaries, financed by the EU and administered by the EIB. 
•    Manage the annual reporting exercise for all public sector grants financed by the EWBJF with internal teams, ensuring qualitative inputs and timely delivery.
•    Participate, and represent the Bank, in WBIF governance meetings relevant to the discussion and approval of funding proposals, together with internal teams.
•    Lead on bi-annual portfolio review and milestone meetings for public sector infrastructure projects in close coordination with DG NEAR, EU Delegations, beneficiary countries and SIG/other operational teams.
•    Ensure implementation – and timely usage – of budgets for communications and visibility activities across all public sector grants, in collaboration with Communications and operational teams. 
•    Work with the Analyst to create knowledge sharing products and prepare training materials for dissemination across operational teams including Resident Offices.
EU Funds with EU Delegations in the Western Balkans
•    Work with the Principal II, EU Partnerships to develop a fund-raising and outreach strategy targeting EU funds from sector operational programmes and EU Delegations in the Western Balkans.
•    Manage a portfolio of existing EU IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession) funds.  For each fund provide financial, legal and budgetary oversight and reporting. Take initiative in addressing and resolving donor-related issues in conjunction with internal teams.
•    Review and / or support the negotiations of relevant EU Contribution Agreements / Addenda / Financing and Grant Agreements together with OGC and internal teams.

General

•    Manage effective relations with donors, external donor agencies, other International Financial Institutions, or other relevant stakeholders, as well as internally across several departments.
•    Advise operational teams on the availability of donor funds, internal policies affecting the use of donor funds, internal procedures and timing to request donor funds.
•    Work with the Analyst to instruct earmarking, payments and other financial transactions in SAP in close cooperation with Donor Finance Management.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

•    Master’s degree in economics, finance, international development or equivalent.
•    Good understanding of the global aid architecture, other developmental assistance and the functioning of EU institutions.
•    Relevant experience of working in an international financial institution (IFI), other international organisation, or in the private sector.
•    Wide understanding of grant and/or financial instruments within and/or outside the EBRD.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in dealing with an array of stakeholders (inc. Beneficiary countries, EC, bilateral donors and IFIs).
•    Excellent numerical, analytical, negotiating and problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to work on own initiative, as well as part of a team, to deadlines and under time pressure.
•    Fluent English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in other languages would be an advantage.
•    Computer literate, conversant with Microsoft Office.

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).