Climate Change Sustainability Executive (Contract)

The EBRD is seeking a Climate Change Sustainability Executive for a fixed-term contract in London. The role involves providing leadership on environmental and social development, updating policies, managing reputational risks, and overseeing project appraisal. Key responsibilities include developing policy frameworks, managing grievances, and collaborating with other institutions on sustainability initiatives. Candidates should have extensive experience in environmental issues and strong leadership skills.
Requisition ID 35624 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Environment & Sustainability Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length Four-year term, with the potential for renewal for an additional four years Posting End Date 14/05/2025
The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for providing thought leadership and people leadership to the independent second line function charged with ensuring that the Bank delivers on its commitments to promote environmental and sustainable (E&S) development in all its activities, as outlined in the Articles Establishing the Bank (AEB) and the standards set out in the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP).
The MD updates the ESP periodically, oversees the continuous improvement of the EBRD's E&S Framework, and applies the associated E&S risk assessment methodology related to the Bank's ESP.
This role includes mitigating and minimizing, within risk tolerance, the reputational impacts of environmental and social issues linked to the Bank's investments, operations, and Technical Cooperation activities.
The role also involves catalyzing new environmental and social initiatives, delivering policy dialogue with national and regional authorities, and supporting the Bank's environmental and social objectives in countries of operation.
A key function of the ESD team is acting as the second line of defense (2LOD) in managing reputational risks from the Bank's green and sustainability designations, including Paris Alignment, Green Economies in Transition (GET), MRV (monitoring, reporting, verification), and related data collection, analysis, and reporting.
The role is responsible for establishing and managing the Bank's Management Grievance mechanism related to E&S complaints submitted directly to Bank Management and collaborating on strategic initiatives with other IFIs, such as mutual reliance, human rights, health and safety, and environmental issues.
Leading and being accountable for developing and delivering the five-year policy frameworks for environmental and social issues.
Implementing effective business process models to handle the diverse sectors and geographies of investment projects.
Overseeing functions and technical expertise for project appraisal and oversight.
Managing and developing people, including talent acquisition, performance management, coaching, and strategic workforce planning.
Informing the Board on high-risk issues with complex technical details.
Protecting the Bank from reputational damage while supporting complex projects, in collaboration with IPAM and CSG Units.
Managing the interface between Management and the IPAM function.
Overseeing the financial and technical resources of ESD for effective support and compliance.
Incubating new initiatives such as climate change adaptation and road safety to develop new banking products.
Solving high-level problems on high-risk projects using professional judgment.
Extensive practical experience in environmental and social issues across sectors, gained in IFIs, the commercial sector, or both.
Strong academic background in environmental and/or social sciences.
Proven leadership in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and talent development.
Successful track record in strategy formulation and implementation.
Experience managing large, complex programs and projects.
Commitment to change management and continuous improvement.
Creative problem-solving skills based on extensive practical experience.
Excellent leadership, management, and communication skills, motivating professionals in a multicultural environment.
Our agile and innovative approach makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! The EBRD environment offers:
An inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.
An environment focused on sustainability, equality, and digital transformation.
Diversity is a core value. We promote equal opportunities and an inclusive environment, encouraging all qualified candidates from EBRD member countries to apply, regardless of background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. We support flexible working, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time.