Counsellor - Country Strategy Coordination at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was founded in 1991 to create a new post-Cold War era in central and Eastern Europe, furthering progress towards ‘market-oriented economies and the promotion of private and entrepreneurial initiative’.
 

EBRD helps businesses flourish. Through our financial investments, business services and involvement in high-level policy dialogue, we're well-placed to promote entrepreneurship and change lives.

The Counsellor is the lead co-ordinator for the preparation of country strategies, country strategy updates, using input from the Political Counsellors, CSE Country Economists and Banking, ensuring appropriate formulation of strategic orientations from the point of view of transition needs, country needs and preparing a results framework for the strategies as well as the assessment of progress against such strategies/results frameworks for the country strategy updates.

The main objective of the work of the Counsellor is to ensure appropriate input into the above activities (strategy formulation /policy dialogue activities and the assessment of their results) from relevant departments of the Bank, influence directions in these activities and facilitate agreement among the parties as appropriate with the aim to present such strategies/activities as coherent, EBRD strategic priorities- and results-driven ones that could be endorsed by senior management and the Board of Directors .

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Lead country strategy and country strategy update co-ordination to Board approval, including the preparation of the results frameworks and assessment of progress thereof
• Nurture and maintain strong working relationships with key internal relationships within the Bank to obtain high quality timely input for the above activities and acceptance for the synthesised output products. 
• Coordinate ad hoc presentations to the Board on country strategic issues to ensure consistent message across the inputs of the various departments

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Experience with results driven strategic planning at an IFI or international aid/development agency or corporate consultancy
• Ability to quickly learn about and analyse new countries’ political and economic issues and to absorb EBRD-relevant and sufficient for this role industry sector knowledge
• Good knowledge of EBRD’s mandate, operations and the role of the various department
• Excellent interpersonal communication and persuasion skills
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver timely, high quality output
• Fluency in English with excellent writing skills
• Master’s degree in economics or business administration or law or political sciences (in the latter cases good level of work experience in international development finance or corporate consulting is required)

Diversity Matters

Diversity is one of the Banks 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.