Russian Speaking Principal in London

Job Description

Company/Name: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Location: London.

Job Type: Permanent.

Specialism: Other.

Requisition ID
33322

Office Country
United Kingdom

Office City
London

Division
Banking Sectors

Contract Type
Fixed Term

Contract Length
2 years

Posting End Date
07/04/2023

EBRD Countries of Operation are among the most energy and carbon intensive in the world due to fossil fuel dependency and ageing infrastructure. There are urgent needs for investment and policy reform to reduce high levels of energy consumption in buildings and to promote their decarbonisation.

In order to stimulate a sustainable market for energy efficiency in the Bank’s Countries of Operation, the Bank, together with the WBIF, the Energy Community Secretariat, the European Commission and bilateral donors established the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP). Its purpose is to (i) support governments with regulatory reforms, the majority of which are related to energy efficiency in buildings and (ii) provide blending and technical assistance to EBRD’s clients implementing energy efficiency investments. Since 2021, the major focus of the REEP programme has been on the buildings and district energy sector. Similarly, Austrian and Swiss donors are also providing parallel donor funds support to the development of projects in the district energy sector (ReDEWeB).

In the context of the war on Ukraine there is also an expectation that substantial support in the buildings sector will be required in order to aide reconstruction efforts in the country and “build back better”.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under the broader guidance of the Head of PPI and in close collaboration with the SIG Grants Unit, the Principal Buildings Efficiency will support the implementation of grants in SIG green buildings and energy efficiency projects and SIG Operation Leaders to structure, close and monitor such projects. This is expected to include a range of cross-cutting energy activities including a focus on increasing the integration of renewable and waste heat based energy supply in buildings.

They will scope and oversee significant consultancy assignments related to project preparation, due diligence, project implementation, corporate development, institutional strengthening and support policy reform. The Principal Buildings Efficiency will provide thought-leadership on regulatory, institutional, business planning, technical, economic, procurement and environmental aspects of projects leading policy-focused assignments for SIG where relevant. The role is expected to involve considerable interaction with EBRD colleagues in other EBRD departments such as ESD, CSD, PSD, DCF and Impact.

Specific tasks will include:

Donor resource management

Provide input into delivery of projects under “flagship” donor programmes related to buildings, energy efficiency and district energy (REEP, ReDEWeB, Green Cities etc.).
Support the implementation of grants and donor programmes focused on reconstruction efforts in the Ukrainian building sector.
As required, meet with key stakeholders including donors to support banking engage with these stakeholders on all technical and donor related aspects of potential projects.
Contribute technically to new grant applications and support their defence with donors helping to secure financing for transactional and non-transactional Technical Cooperation
Ensure the appropriate utilisation and visibility of donor resources by:
Ensuring that all contract outputs are delivered on time;
Preparing publicity/communications materials such as brochures, videos etc. in co-operation with the Communications and the Donor Co-Financing Unit, and
Ensuring adequate donor visibility in all outputs and deliverables.
Maintain donors’ awareness and interest in buildings and renewable energy sector trends and solutions.

Business Development, Project Management, Project Preparation & Structuring

Assist in the identification of lending opportunities in the green buildings and energy efficiency sector.
Visit prospective clients to assess potential projects, discuss investment strategy with respective management of building owners, operators, suppliers, construction firms, other utilities, regulators and local governments.
Identify best available and appropriate technical measures to be pursued based on the needs of countries in which the Bank is active and identify business opportunities.
Prepare Terms of References and budgets for feasibility or technical due diligence consultancy assignments, in cooperation with clients and operation leaders as required and in conjunction with the SIG Grants Unit. Provide assistance in any pre-qualification activities required.
Support and advise banking teams in the evaluation and the selection of consultants.
Advise and propose follow-up actions based on monitoring of consultants’ works.
Review and contribute to internal Bank documents (CRMs and FRMs), Loan Agreements (where necessary) and provide technical input in the covenants in accordance with OL agreed priorities
Review projects being considered by the Bank for financing to determine if they fulfil the Bank’s criteria for alignment with the Paris Agreement and with a view to identifying at an early stage GET potential, and how bank funding can be used for sustainable sector development.
Assist internal relevant units which are involved in Climate finance activities (such as the Green Energy Special Fund, E5P, Green Climate Fund and REEP when projects may have potential for additional financing from these sources), as well as Gender- and Inclusion focused projects
Apply expert technical knowledge and experience to technical documentation including review of financial models (to ensure adequacy of technical/engineering assumptions)
Technically support the development of individual Green City Action Plans.

Project Implementation

In close co-operation with clients and SIG procurement specialists, review and assist with the pragmatic resolution of project delivery issues (as appropriate).
Provide objective, impartial, technical advice to OLs.
Participate in/lead site investigations working with Lenders’ Technical Advisors/Project Implementation Consultants
Contribute to preparation of internal reports regarding the project implementation status and progress of institutional reforms.
Provide input or prepare relevant reporting to donors for all donor funded assignments under management.

Thought Leadership

Provide thought leadership for the green buildings and energy efficiency sector across SIG as well as relevant departments in the Bank such as CSD, ESD and Impact, to progress Bank projects and objectives for the sector.
Contribute to relevant corporate pieces such as department, sector and country strategies.
Additionally and where required, act as the Operational Leader for small, discrete bank-led TCs in their field of expertise, working closely with the donor support unit to finance these studies.
Work closely with colleagues from CSD and ESD to ensure projects are aligned with the principles of the Paris Agreement, updating and modifying the Bank’s methodologies and requirements where necessary.
Lead by example, bringing new ideas and concepts into implementable projects and policy dialogue
Present, either as a key note speaker or panellist representing the Bank at sector related events and conferences
Produce “Think Pieces” and technical notes on innovative topics and technologies in the energy sector
Keep abreast of energy sector related policy issues in the region and in the European Union
Advise on implications of policy developments on signed projects and projects under the preparation phase

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Excellent understanding and prior experience of EU and other donor-funded programmes in the EBRD region.
Degree qualified in a relevant engineering/technical discipline; additional higher degree in finance, economics or business would be beneficial. Ideally chartered engineer status (or an equivalent certification from a local professional engineering body).
Proven track record and extensive experience in buildings energy efficiency solutions including district energy systems and the integration of waste heat and renewable energy options gained from a relevant infrastructure utility company or corporate/project finance group or an IFI and/or a technical consultancy firm. A combination of technical, policy and commercial skills developed in industry, government and/or private consultancy will be an advantage.
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
Understand options for supporting low-carbon pathways in the buildings sector including solutions for improving maturity of operators including digitalisation.
Broader knowledge of public and private sector markets, the regulated business and regulatory environments that influence EBRD’s work in the green buildings and energy efficiency sectors.
Extensive experience of leading and managing projects to time, cost and quality.
Experience in working in cross-cultural teams.
Sound understanding of banking/business principles and preferably knowledge also of the local banking industry in countries of operations.
Strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to interpret technical and financial information and able to analyse and assess project viability.
Commercial acumen.
Ability to communicate effectively and confidence in handling internal and external senior stakeholders.
Very good verbal and written communication skills in English with language skills from one or more of the Bank’s countries of operation as desirable. Fluency in Russian or Ukrainian is desirable.
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.

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