Associate, Methodology & Blended Finance

Purpose of Job

In the current external environment of declining Official Development Assistance resulting from the global poly-crises, blended concessional finance is an important tool to maximize the leverage, private capital mobilisation and impact of EBRD’s donor funds in support of the Bank’s operations and strategic objectives in line with the Bank’s Strategic Capital Framework 2026-30 and its associated strategies and approaches, including the new Donor Strategy 2026-30. 

The I&P Blended Finance team is a joint unit of the Impact and Donor Partnerships departments within the Vice Presidency Policy & Partnerships with the mandate to provide seamless end-to-end services, from EBRD banking teams to donors, in the sourcing and using of concessional donor funds. The Associate Blended Finance is a member of the blended finance team with responsibilities to advise donor partnership teams in the structuring of donor fundraising for blended finance instruments and EBRD’s blended finance operations; collaborate with operational banking, policy, risk and impact teams to ensure compliance of EBRD’s blended finance operations with the DFI Principles for the Use of Blended Concessional Finance for Private Sector Projects as well as EBRD’s Staff Guidelines for the Use of Blended Concessional Finance; and contribute to knowledge products, thought leadership, training and stakeholder management.

The Associate performs a horizontal role related to concessional finance across EBRD operations. Under the guidance of the Associate Director I&P Blended Finance and as member of the I&P Blended Finance team, the incumbent is responsible for the application of the Bank's guidelines for using blended concessional finance in blended finance donor instruments and projects. Specifically the appointed person is responsible for, inter alia, advising on and assessing the use of concessional finance in EBRD projects on behalf of the Bank,  maintaining and updating data relevant for concessional finance, contributing to training and knowledge products on blended finance, assisting in relevant internal processes related to concessional finance, coordinating with internal stakeholders the use of concessional finance in projects and occasionally participating in external activities related to concessional finance. 

Background

The I&P’s Strategy and blended Finance team is a joint initiative of the Impact and Donor Partnerships departments within the Vice Presidency Policy & Partnerships. Responding to the changing external donor environment and recognizing the importance of donor funds to facilitate the Bank’s strategic business and impact objectives, I&P’s integrated blended finance team aims to provide seamless end-to-end services, from EBRD banking teams to donors, in the use of concessional donor funds.

The unit comprises of 10 full-time staff from Impact and Donor Partnerships delivering five key functions:

i.    Donor strategy and policies
ii.    Donor funds and blended finance analysis, reporting and thought leadership
iii.    A new blended finance advisory function
iv.    The blended finance compliance function to ensure adherence to the DFI Principles for the Use of Blended Concessional Finance for Private Sector Projects and the Bank’s blended finance staff guidelines
v.    Donor partnerships and blended finance training and communications
vi.    Internal and external stakeholder management.

The team is embedded in both the Impact and Donor Partnerships departments to contribute to the implementation of and reporting on the Bank's transition results architecture and management of donor funds and partnerships in line with the SCF2026-30, associated strategies and approaches and the Operations Manual.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

•    Appraises the use of concessional finance in EBRD projects in line with internal EBRD guidelines and the DFI Enhanced Principles for the Use of Blended Concessional Finance in Private Sector Operations (which EBRD helped develop and top which EBRD is a signatory)
•    Builds and maintains relevant datasets to inform the use of concessional finance
•    Supports the maintenance and updates of the EBRD internal rules for using concessional finance;
•    Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders concessional finance funds and applications for donor funds to ensure alignment with the guidelines and compatibility with the EBRD market building mandate
•    Provides expert input and prepares analytical and briefing notes and presentations related to blended concessional finance
•    Responsible for associated input related to concessional finance into management briefing for Board and other Committee meetings, including management responses to the Board and, on occasion, bespoke papers, presentations or other inputs for such Committees;
•    Occasionally participates or represents the Bank in external events (conferences, dialogues with IFI counterparts, government officials, think tanks, etc.) in the area of blended concessional finance; 
•    Contributes to EBRD’s input towards the DFI Working Group on Blended Concessional Finance (Annual Report and Annual Meetings) 

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

•    Sound understanding of microeconomics and impact of concessional finance in building, sustaining or distorting market based allocation across competitive sectors, network industries and banking, as well as in private and public sector operations
•    A good understanding of project financing, financial analysis and structuring and the role and different incentives provided by commercial and concessional finance; an ability to understand credit analysis of investment projects is an advantage
•    Experience with effectively sizing (minimising) or allocating concessional finance gained through work in either IFIs, relevant government ministries or donor agencies would be an advantage
•    A graduate degree in economics, finance or related field; a PhD in economics, finance or closely related discipline is an advantage;  
•    Proven analytical and quantitative skills, including Excel and database software. Ability to set up, maintain databases, and produce dashboards. Facility with other database/analytic software (eg Stata; MatLab, R) would be an advantage;
•    A proactive attitude and experience in stakeholder engagement; Good client-facing skills and experience in communicating with stakeholders; Ability to work independently
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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).