The position is based in Ukraine with temporary relocation to Warsaw, Poland. EBRD may grant approval to work from Ukraine to eligible candidates who may not be able to relocate to Warsaw, Poland due to personal objective reasons.

Purpose of Job

Since its creation, EBRD has championed competition, openness, and transparency as principles of good governance in markets. In view of remaining transition gaps and new global challenges, the relevance of its market-building mission has not diminished as endemic structural factors inhibiting the creation of markets in many countries of operation (CoOs) as well as the shifting economic and geopolitical landscape adds pressure on fragile institutions, undermining government effectiveness, and potentially cementing entrenched economic structures. These dynamics led to a renewed commitment to foster sound economic governance during the upcoming period of the Strategic and Capital Framework (SCF) 2026-30.

The governance gap in the EBRD regions remains substantial, and weak governance is a critical constraint to further economic development. Transition gaps are to a large extent caused by weak economic governance institutions and frameworks, with the 2023 Assessment of Transition Qualities (ATQ) indicators shows that significant progress is needed in government effectiveness, quality of institutions of economic governance, control of corruption and the rule of law. This task is particularly important for the Bank’s support for Ukraine, as well as for delivering on policy commitments made in the context of the Bank’s General Capital Increase to continue supporting Ukraine’s capacity to deliver reforms crucial for the country’s successful reconstruction and European integration, increasing transparency and eliminating corruption. Similarly, the task of improving Economic Governance will be critically important as the Bank expands its operation to Sub Saharan Africa. The Associate Director, Head of Institutional and Delivery Capacity will be instrumental in helping deliver this task as a member of the management team of C&G, reporting to the Director; s/he is responsible for leading EBRD’s activities aimed at strengthening government capacity for reform and delivery of services in state owned enterprises and municipalities, including supporting initiatives that digitise essential business-facing government services, supporting investment and export promotion in sectors where the Bank operates in the context of strengthening supply chain mechanisms; platforms for public-private dialogue and recourse mechanisms as well as design and development of new products in these areas to meet the SCF tasks.

The Principal Counsellor, Governance works under the supervision of Director C&G to design technical assistance projects focused on governance and institution building in Ukraine. S/he works with the Deputy Head, Ukraine to ensure effective implementation as well as coordination of international and national stakeholders on recovery implementation within the scope of the programmes; monitors, analyses and reports on policy developments affecting the recovery and reform landscape in Ukraine. In particular, the Principal Counsellor works on the Bank’s flagship programme in Ukraine, the Ukraine Recovery and Reform Architecture (URA). URA is a comprehensive technical assistance programme deployed by the EBRD in partnership with the EU to support critical reform processes..

S/he formulates proposals for potential new projects/assignments within the areas of his/her responsibility; provides inputs into senior management thinking on recovery related topics; supports high-level policy dialogue with the Government of Ukraine and liaises at an appropriate level with relevant interlocutors in the Government of Ukraine and its international partners and donors.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Develop and direct, in cooperation with relevant departments, ways and means by which the Bank could assist the Government of Ukraine (GoU) in the delivery of an effective, efficient, transparent and expedited recovery and EU integration process.
• Ensure strategic planning of technical assistance programmes, including overall programme design, formulation of programme objectives, focus, structure, design of new assignments under the project, among others;
• Mobilise donor funds to support the policy interventions (where applicable), working with the Donor Co-Financing team,
• Keep abreast of and provide regular briefings on the evolving political situation in Ukraine and its influence on the various aspects of recovery planning and implementation;
• Establish and maintain close cooperation with other IFIs, international organisations, civil society and donors working on investment climate and good governance issues in the Bank’s region of operations.
• Contribute to aligning programme activities with Ukraine’s EU integration agenda, including through the provision of analysis and international best practice in the domain of EU integration;
• Design and oversee the implementation of outcome-based management across the projects;
• Ensure coordination with relevant EBRD internal teams (e.g. Grant Unit, DCF, Communications, Banking, Compliance, DFO, etc.);
• Contribute to the negotiations on priority reforms with government counterparts;
• Conduct research on specific policy developments and provide briefings/presentations for Senior Management to be delivered to EBRD stakeholders and external audiences;
• Identify and analyse emerging needs of Ukrainian authorities with respect to short-term recovery as well as medium to long-term reconstruction, and formulate proposals for new potential engagements/projects in support of Ukraine recovery in the specific areas of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as economics, politics, law, public policy or political economy.
• Significant hands-on experience with project management and coordination of complex donor funded projects related to policy development and reform implementation in Ukraine;
• Extensive hands-on experience in Ukraine or other EBRD recipient countries, including strong understanding of the ongoing reform and recovery processes in Ukraine;
• Understanding of economic reforms, economic regulation, governance, public administration and political economy issues in the transition region and knowledge of economics/finance;
• Knowledge of relevant local and international stakeholders in the field of Ukrainian reforms and wide networks developed through previous professional engagements;
• Exceptional ability to establish trusted professional relationships with local and international stakeholders;
• Ability to operate independently in political, diplomatic and business environments, diplomatic skills required for regular contact with senior national and international officials;
• Good understanding of the Bank’s mandate;
• Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills;
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian .

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).