AD, Ukraine Project Preparation

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; London; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Requisition ID 35612 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Banking Sectors Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 08/05/2025

Purpose of Job:

The Associate Director, Senior Manager will work with bankers from across the Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) and with technical and policy focused colleagues within the Sustainable Infrastructure Policy and Project Preparation (SI3P) team on delivering the Bank’s mandate for all SIG sectors with a focus on supporting Ukraine. The role holder will possess a combination of banking, technical and policy advisory skills.

The Associate Director, Senior Manager, will lead the work on project preparation work prioritising the Bank’s Ukraine FIRST initiative. The role holder will provide high quality, expert advice to ensure that best practices are applied across all SIG sectors and that relevant processes for project preparation are developed, continuously improved and adapted to reflect the Bank’s policies. The role holder will oversee the use of consultants as a strategic resource to leverage the capacity of PPI and SIG, including the management of consultancy frameworks. Working with the wider IFI community, as required, in the development and implementation of facilities to coordinate and deliver infrastructure projects as a collective e.g. for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Associate Director, Senior Manager, will oversee and be accountable for the work of PPI Analysts and Principals supporting transaction related to Ukraine First project preparation and procurement activities as well as non-transaction related projects and programmes.

The Associate Director, Senior Manager, will advise OLs and Banking teams on the preparation of new transactions, including requirements for due diligence and the structuring of feasibility studies. The role holder will advise on the optimal project preparation route, designing an approach with the relevant Procurement advisers to leverage best use of technical consultants and monitor their performance as part of framework contracts, providing an escalation point for OLs as required. Reviewing and approving all budgets and Terms of References for such consultancy assignments under delegated authority from Grant Review (note that this process requires AD level signoff as a prerequisite for delegation).

The Associate Director, Senior Manager will implement and oversee simplified/streamlined internal processes, that enhance project preparation and its delivery, with a focus on speed and efficiency.

Background:

The Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) delivers approximately 100 signed projects per year in the power, energy, transport and municipal infrastructure sectors, for a total of around EUR 4.0 billion in annual business volume. These projects are carried out across all countries of operation of the Bank, supported by a similar number of project preparation consultancy assignments each year.

There is recognition that much of the explanation for the lack of sufficient infrastructure investment is not due to a dearth of finance, but is due rather to limited project preparation capacity internationally to procure and deliver these often-complex projects effectively. Given the above, one key element that EBRD believes to be critical is an efficient delivery mechanism for project preparation to improve efficiency, quality and replicability of infrastructure projects for the benefit of its clients.

The Ukraine FIRST Project Preparation Facility (PPF) aims to foster economies of scale and standardisation of practices, facilitating coordination among multiple stakeholders by Ukrainian authorities and donors. The goal is to reduce transaction costs for all stakeholders and ensure that project preparation requests can enter Ukraine FIRST from mid-2025. The role of the PPI Unit is to co-ordinate the provision of technical advisory services, facilitating project implementation, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective project preparation and execution of pre-selected investments.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will support SIG banking teams in structuring and preparing projects as well as monitoring project preparation effectiveness working closely with the SI3P team of engineers and sector specialists, the SI3P Blending and TC unit, other support units and external consultants. They will scope and oversee significant volume of consultancy assignments principally related to project preparation and delivery; the role involves considerable interaction with other departmental colleagues in the EBRD (such as Procurement) and counterparts, externally, in other IFIs.

Managing the relationship between the Bank and external consultants is crucial for ensuring project success; this requires the creation of a collaborative environment where consultants appointed under the Framework feel valued and are motivated to deliver their best work.

1. Project Preparation:

• Provide inspiration and share insights on new, novel and emerging approaches relevant to their area(s) of expertise gained both internally and externally.
• Lead the project preparation activities of the PPI team across all SIG sectors, cooperating closely with PPI sector specialists and engineers, other SI3P teams, SIG Banking teams and support units across the Bank.
• Lead and develop the use of consultants as a strategic asset to leverage SIGs internal resources and develop and improve SIGs work processes related to the procurement and use of consultants for project preparation.
• Develop and procure consultancy frameworks to meet the need for efficient project preparation services.
• Work with teams across SIG, the wider Bank and partner organisations on developing new and innovative methods of project preparation approaches.
• Establish robust cross-team working relationships to drive efficiency, quality, and replicability during the project preparation cycle; providing his/her thought leadership across SIG as well as relevant departments in the Bank.
• Act as ambassador for the Bank providing expert advisory externally to other IFIs on efficient and effective project structuring strategies and practices to maximise delivery capacity and achieve economies of scale where collaborating.

1. Oversee and guide the work of PPI Analysts and Principals:

• Lead by example, bringing new ideas and concepts into implementable projects and policy dialogue.
• Manage the work of the Ukraine PPI Analyst(s) to support Banking teams in day to day project preparation activities such as drafting and submitting project documentation, administration of consultant selection processes and monitoring consultant deadlines and deliverables.
• Manage the work of the PPI Principal(s) to deliver projects and programmes, including initiatives with other IFIs to fully support the Ukraine First project preparation facility.
• Support and mentor the PPI Analyst(s), giving them an understanding of the EBRD project lifecycle, Banking requirements and SIG sector considerations.

1. Project structuring, review and approval:

• Readily take ownership of identifying best available and appropriate advice to OLs and Banking teams on the preparation of new transactions, including how best to structure and plan feasibility studies and other project preparation activities.
• Support OLs and Banking teams on the use of consultants for project preparation, including providing advice on preparation of Terms of References and budgets.
• Lead the development and maintain standard ToRs for use in feasibility studies and other project preparation assignments, maintaining their alignment with the Bank’s requirements.
• Review and approve the budgets and ToRs for all SIG projects processed under the delegated authority from Grant Review. This fast-track process (for assignments below EUR 500k) substitutes review by the GR committee. As this review requires AD signoff the associate Director, Senior Manager will replace the Head of PPI as the current approver of all such projects.

1. Lead the consultancy framework relationship

• Act as the focal point between the Bank and external consultants under the Framework managing and nurturing the working relationship.
• Independently oversee the day-to-day operation of these frameworks, convening progress meetings to assess the consultants' work and address any mutual areas of concern promptly. Undertake reviews and constructive feedback between the Bank and consultants to maintain high standards and foster continuous improvement.

1. Thought Leadership

• Influence and inform future transactions including business efficiencies.
• Advance PPIs offering beyond its current scope.
• Support major policy and strategic initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

Education

• Master’s degree from the country of education, preferably in economics, engineering or finance. A combination of engineering, policy and/or finance/commercial skills developed in industry, government and/or private consultancy will be an advantage.

Required Experience

• A demonstrated track record of project-based experience in the infrastructure sector (especially energy, transport, and municipal infrastructure).
• Relevant banking, commercial/operational, government or consulting experience, gained from a reputable bank, industrial enterprise or advisory/consultancy firm, with a demonstrable track record of successful projects and/or policy initiatives.
• A demonstrated track-record of experience of leading consultants tasked with preparing projects for the EBRD, other IFI, or public sector in the infrastructure sector.
• An aptitude for combining project management and technical expertise with the ability to manage business relationships and sound commercial judgement.
• Knowledge and experience of the countries of Eastern / Central Europe, CIS, Turkey and/or the SEMED region with regard to the infrastructure sector, including policies, sector reforms and regulatory aspects.
• Is powerful and prolific in their communication with the ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences in a precise and compelling manner.
• Knowledge of EBRD and other international financial institutions, their institutional priorities, policies and procedures.
• An ability to formulate policy documents and lead objective analysis.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with the EBRD banking appraisal process for loans and investments as well as financing of external consulting services will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of EBRD and international donor organisations, their institutional priorities, policies and procedures.

Language, Technical and Behavioural

• In additional to excellent English skills, an ability to communicate in Russian, Arabic and/or French will be an advantage.
• Computer literate (advanced Excel/PowerPoint, MS Word). Competency in Microsoft Project, and/or other Gannt-based project management software will be valued.
• Ability to operate in multi-cultural environments and to build effective working relations with clients, colleagues and partners from the international community.
• The applicant should be result-oriented, self-motivated and with an enthusiastic ability for sustained high work level.

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).