Principal I, Policy

Requisition ID 36150 Office Country Albania Office City Tirana Division Policy and Partnerships Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 13/10/2025

Purpose of Job

The Principal, Policy will work with the RPS team covering Central and South Eastern Europe (CSEE) region to deliver the Bank’s transition mandate, focusing on a subset of priority policy / thematic areas in the region. Whilst the Principal is to demonstrate knowledge and experience in human capital development, they will be expected to work flexibly across all the Bank’s areas of focus and contribute to a coherence and holistic policy agenda.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities
The range of accountabilities and responsibilities may include the following:

• Monitor and assess growth and reform progress in CSEE; support the development and implementation of policy dialogue workstreams in areas such as human capital development (main focus area for this position), economic governance, competitiveness, green transition, digitalisation, and capital markets development.
• Work on policy dialogue workstreams and transactions (origination, structuring, fundraising, implementation, monitoring), acting as the key team member in coordination with the London-based VP3 teams and delivering policy initiatives / TC or analytical assignments..
• Support Banking in the delivery of specific investments (including participating in OpsCom and Board presentations), deliver policy projects and objectives and prepare relevant assessments.
• Working under the direction of the RPL, take responsibility for delivery of a particular aspect of a thematic area or project.
• As agreed with RPL, represent the Bank in external forums.
• Engage with internal and external counterparts, including at senior governmental level, to advance the Bank’s transition objectives in a specific thematic area.
• Assess structural reform progress in CSEE to provide input into key Bank products, including the Regional Economic Prospects and the annual Transition Report.
• Contribute to the preparation of country diagnostics and of country strategies.
• Perform ad hoc assignments, including background research on economic, sectoral and other policy developments, draft briefings, presentations, and short analyses/focus pieces.
• Support the RPL in the preparation of the policy compacts for the region.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Motivation – demonstrated strong commitment to, and understanding of, the Bank’s transition agenda.
• Education – a postgraduate degree in economics, international development, gender or related field from a leading university; a PhD is an advantage;
• Experience :
• Strong knowledge of economic inclusion and gender, equality of opportunity, human capital development and some post-graduate professional/work experience, gained for example through employment in an international organisation, relevant development or governmental institution, consultancy/company, think tank or academia;
• Demonstrated ability to apply economic and policy analysis to operational strategy and economic policy making and to conduct policy dialogue with senior officials;
• Strong knowledge of inclusion and gender policy issues facing transition economies (including specifically in the areas of inclusive regional development and urban regeneration) and demonstrated ability to influence decision makers and build trust and credibility with clients and colleagues, including at increasingly senior levels.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, including at increasingly senior level, as well as strong client facing skills;
• Managing projects and playing a leadership role in multi-disciplinary teams delivering those projects; familiarity with emerging markets and transition economies; familiarity with finance and investment decision making;
• Communication – capacity to communicate complex policy and technical issues to a wide range of stakeholders verbally and in writing; ability to build consensus and reach agreement in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Language/Technical – excellent written and spoken English and Albanian languages. Computer literate (advanced Excel, PowerPoint and Word).

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

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).