Requisition ID 35757 Office Country Benin Office City Cotonou Division Policy and Partnerships Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 10/07/2025
Weโre hiring! The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is looking for an experienced and motivated Principal, Policy to join our Regional Policy and Strategy (RPS) team in Cotonou, Benin. In this high-impact role, youโll help shape and deliver impactful policy engagements across EBRDโs countries of operation in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on areas such as green transition, competitiveness, economic governance, human capital, capital market development and digitalisation. We're seeking a versatile policy expert with strong regional knowledge, project leadership experience, and fluency in English and French. 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, Policy, will work with Regional Policy Lead (RPL) and with VP3โs regional and sectoral pillars to deliver the Bankโs transition mandate, focusing on 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.
Facts / Scale
The Principal is expected to be capable of leading individual projects or themes, will typically report to an Associate Director, RPL and may work individually or manage Associate or Analysts to deliver on objectives.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Education โ Postgraduate degree (masterโs or PhD) in economics, finance, public or business administration, or a closely related field. Experience โ Relevant work experience gained through roles in financial institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, consultancy firms, or think tanks. Solid understanding of 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).