Requisition ID 35765 Office Country Cรดte d'Ivoire Office City Abidjan Division Policy and Partnerships Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 10/07/2025
We're hiring! The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is seeking an experienced and driven Principal II, Economics and Policy to join our Regional Policy and Strategy (RPS) team in Abidjan, Cรดte dโIvoire. In this high-impact role, you'll lead macroeconomic analysis and policy engagement across EBRDโs countries of operation in Sub-Saharan Africa, advising on areas such as green transition, competitiveness, economic governance, human capital, capital market development and digitalisation. We're looking for a seasoned and versatile economist with strong regional expertise, fluency in English and French, and a passion for shaping development policy in emerging markets. If you're ready to make a difference and work at the intersection of policy and investmentโapply now and help drive sustainable change with EBRD.
Purpose of Job
The Principal, Economics and Policy, will work with Regional Policy Lead (RPL) and with VP3โs regional and sectoral pillars to deliver the Bankโs transition mandate, focusing on economic analytics and on other priority policy / thematic areas in the Sub-Saharan Africa region (SSA region). The Principal is expected to be able to work flexibly across all the Bankโs areas of focus and to contribute to a coherent and holistic policy agenda in SSA.
Background
The Principal is part of VP3โs Regional Policy and Strategy (RPS) team. The RPS team designs and delivers, in close coordination with PSD, CSD and Banking teams, the Bankโs policy agenda in each of its countries of operations. It also prepares Country Strategies and related updates as well as policy compacts. RPS produces economic and political reviews of the Bankโs countries of operations, including assessments of consistency with Article 1 of the Agreement Establishing the Bank. The RPS team handles coordination within VP3 and Banking for policy activities of the Bank in its Countries of Operations.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Lead monitoring and analysis of macroeconomic performance and risks and assess structural reform progress in the countries of the SSA region in order to draft key Bank products, including the Regional Economic Prospects and the annual Transition Report. Advise VP3 and country teams on economic risks, opportunities, and policy options in the SSA region and in coordination with RPL lead economic vulnerability assessments. Engage in policy discussions with multilateral development banks, credit rating agencies, International Monetary Fund, economic think tanks and other entities working on economic research in the region. Lead the preparation of country diagnostics, in coordination with country banking / VP3 teams; contribute to the preparation of country strategies in the SSA region. Provide strategic forward thinking on sectors where the Bank can enhance impact and foster private capital mobilisation. Support the RPL in the preparation of the policy compacts for the SSA region. Monitor and assess growth and reform progress in SSA countries; support the development of sector-specific reform agendas in areas such as green transition, economic governance, human capital and equality of opportunity, competitiveness, digitalisation, and capital markets development. Work on a range of transactions or projects, either acting as the key team member for more complex or challenging investments or taking full responsibility to deliver a particular policy initiative / TC assignment, transaction support or analytical assignment. Depending on the specific thematic area / assignments allocated the Principal may be accountable for working to support Banking in the delivery of specific investments (including participating in Operations Committee and Board presentations), delivering defined policy projects or objectives, preparing a complex and comprehensive research assessment, or running largely autonomously a major administrative/data management process that plays an important role in supporting the delivery of the Bankโs policy agenda in the region. Lead on the ground engagement with internal and external counterparts, including at senior governmental level, to advance the Bankโs transition objectives in a specific thematic area. Represent the Bank in external forums.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Education โ Postgraduate degree (masterโs or PhD) in economics or a closely related field; deep understanding of economic theory, policy, and practice. Experience โ Work experience in macroeconomics, structural economics, or related areas, gained through roles in financial institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, consultancy firms, or think tanks. Solid understanding of economic development, governance, and institutional frameworks in the SSA region. Experience in managing projects and playing a leadership role in multi-disciplinary teams delivering those projects; familiarity with finance and investment decision making; ability to work across priority policy areas (green transition, human capital, inclusion, competitiveness and economic governance, digital transition). Motivation โ demonstrated strong commitment to, and understanding of, the Bankโs transition agenda; solid networking capabilities to build relationships in the SSA region with international and national partners. Communication โ 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 โ excellent written and spoken English and French. Ability to effectively represent the Bank in both languages at forums and with stakeholders. Computer literate (advanced Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
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 Bankโs 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).