Principal II Specialist, Water

Purpose of Job

The Principal II Specialist, Water is responsible for the technical aspects of projects within the water sector contributing to all phases of the investment cycle primarily involved in project preparation and to a much lesser extent project implementation and monitoring. In addition, the Water Sector Specialist will assist in assessing project opportunities, risks and addressing transition impact from an engineering point of view as well as supporting and promoting the integration of sustainable solutions in cities and regions the Bank operates. The role also includes elements of supporting the Bank’s infrastructure strategy, supporting policy dialogue, client management and assisting with business development. The Principal II Specialist, Water will distinguish themselves by the depth and complexity of water sector projects to be assessed for the SIG banking teams, as well as the ability to handle diversity of project structures and risks to be analysed with regard to technical innovation brought in particular by private sector clients of the Bank.

Background

• The Sustainable Infrastructure Policy & Project Preparation (SI3P) team is composed of technical and financial specialists. It is tasked with enabling EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) to develop future-ready programmes and prepare high-quality projects for clients in line with the Bank’s transition mandate. 
• The Principal II Specialist, Water will be a member of the Project Preparation & Implementation (PP&I) Unit, which is part of the SI3P team and is accountable for providing timely, authoritative and quality technical advisory for projects in exploratory, preparation and delivery stages. The wider remit of the PP&I unit is the identification and development of ‘cross-over’ project opportunities which include the integration of water, energy and food security as well as participating in the EBRD’s Green Cities initiative largely through support to Green City Action Plans (GCAPs) which are an integral part of this initiative.
• The Principal II Specialist, Water will provide technical authority to the SIG banking teams to originate and develop their pipeline of projects in the water sector. For each project, the Principal Water Sector Specialist will support the Operation Leader (OL) with project preparation, appraisal and monitoring (as appropriate) providing both pragmatic, sound, innovative and imaginative solutions or approaches that facilitate project signing and project monitoring post-signing.
• The Principal II Specialist, Water will be recognised internally as providing the breadth of technical knowledge and expert independent advisory on new, novel and emerging technologies relevant to the Water sector. The Principal II Specialist, Water will distinguish themselves by covering a wide variety of project types and structures, to include, inter alia, integrated water resources management, dams, drinking water treatment, drinking water supply, metering, sewer systems, stormwater systems, flood protection, river regulation, wastewater treatment and discharge, wastewater treatment sludge management, nature based solutions, digital solutions, irrigation systems, other non-conventional water sector projects etc.
• The Principal II Specialist, Water will assist in the selection and appointment of external technical consultants and review, monitor and enhance the work of external technical consultants by providing independent technical scrutiny, assuring consistent and high-quality final deliverables in line with project requirements.
• Where appropriate, the Principal II Specialist, Water may also advise and shape the softer reform components (e.g. Technical Cooperation) that enhance the sustainability of investments and as such may support the OL in securing funds necessary to develop these project-related elements. For certain projects he/she shall liaise with other banking teams from the Risk Department, Climate Strategy and Delivery (CSD) Department, Impact and Environment & Sustainability (ESD) Department to facilitate project development. 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Independently carry out, lead and/or supervise technical due diligence in order to appraise technical and commercial viability of projects in preparation. 

     - Screen initial project proposals to help inform the OL and, if applicable the Team Director as to whether Bank resources should be committed to develop specific projects providing sound reasoning in that guidance 

     - Lead / participate in pre-feasibility site visits

     - Meet with key stakeholders including public and private sector clients to help facilitate the OL during the project life-cycle 

     - Lead and support the preparation of project-related documentation (such as Technical Due Diligence ToRs) including internal Bank documents (CRMs and FRMs etc.), and where necessary review Loan Agreements and provide technical input in the covenants in accordance with OL agreed priorities

     - Assist in selection and appointment of external technical consultants 

     - Oversee consultant-led technical due diligence; applying expert technical knowledge and experience to technical documentation including review of financial models, economic and financial costs and benefits to ensure adequacy of technical/engineering assumptions 

     - Assist with and validate Green Economy Transition assessments

     - Provide technical inputs as required to facilitate securing of donor financing for transactional and non-transactional Technical Cooperation and investment grants 

     - Technically support the development of individual Green City Action Plans

     - Drafting technical sections of internal memos and attend clarification meetings with Bank departments 

     - Provide robust technical opinions/well defended technical arguments at Bank Committees and Board    

• Apply Technical Advisory to Projects in Deliver
       - Conduct or assist project monitoring in order to support the loan disbursement process where requested   
       - Actively assist with the pragmatic resolution of project delivery issues (as appropriate)
       - Participate in / lead site visits working with Project Implementation Support Consultants and/or Lenders’ Technical Advisors
  
• Offer-up practical and imaginative solutions that facilitate project signing and project delivery whilst maintaining the bank’s integrity.
• Maintain awareness and interest in water sector market trends and solutions and ensure Team has state-of-the-art sector expertise
• Seek opportunities across sectors and across teams where a more integrated or novel approach could realise better projects.  
• Where necessary assist project monitoring in order to support the loan disbursement / project implementation process.
• Contribute to development of related policies, country and Bank strategies and to the EBRD’s Green Cities initiative as led by others.
• Keep abreast of sector related policy issues in the region and in the European Union, including interaction with relevant sector or government organisations.
• Advise on implications of policy developments on signed projects and projects under the preparation phase.
• Work with other internal departments to facilitate project development.
• Support the onboarding process of new joiners and provide on the job support/coaching to (new) team colleagues in technical aspects of project screening, scoping, due diligence, implementation and monitoring to increase sector related skills and understandings.
• Advise and assist Project Implementation Adviser on technical aspects of the projects to facilitate project implementation; advise Policy Strategy and Delivery (PSD) on rationale and transition impact aspects; interact with CSD on climate change mitigation and adaptation aspects and Paris Agreement alignment of the projects and engage with ESD on environmental and social dimensions.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering/technical discipline; additional higher degree in a relevant finance, economics or business degree would be beneficial.
• Track record and experience in the wider water sector with a relevant infrastructure utility company or corporate/project finance group or an IFI and/or a technical consultancy firm with experience of advising IFIs in relation to water sector projects, or organisation of similar expertise.
• Deep know-how in a technical or specialised field built on understanding of theoretical concepts and principles and their organisational context with this knowledge gained through qualification and/or extensive practical experience.
• Experience of carrying out technical due diligence and monitoring of projects in water resources management, drinking water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, bio-resources, blue-green systems, irrigation infrastructure, climate mitigation and adaptation.
• Understand options for supporting low-carbon pathways in the water sector including solutions for improving maturity of operators including digitalisation.
• International experience in the water sector would be considered particularly beneficial.
• Broader knowledge of public and private sector markets, the regulated business and regulatory environments that influence EBRD’s work in the water sectors.
• Extensive experience of leading and delivering projects to time, cost and quality.
• Experience in working in cross-cultural teams.
• Sound understanding of banking/business principles.
• Strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to interpret technical and financial information and able to analyse and assess project viability.
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidence in handling internal and external senior stakeholders.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Good report writing skills.
• Language skills from one of the Bank’s countries of operation is desirable.

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).