Associate Director, Head of Project Preparation and Implementation (London, GB)

Review: Associate Director, Head of Project Preparation and Implementation (PPI) - London, UK

This Associate Director, Head of Project Preparation and Implementation (PPI) role within the Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) at the EBRD presents a significant opportunity for experienced infrastructure professionals looking to make a substantial impact on sustainable development. Based in London, this position offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, project management, and international collaboration.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Leadership & Impact: This role places you at the forefront of delivering sustainable infrastructure projects across EBRD's countries of operation. You will be instrumental in shaping project preparation, ensuring alignment with the Bank's transition mandate, and driving positive outcomes in energy, transport, and municipal infrastructure.
• International Exposure & Representation: You will engage with a diverse range of international financial institutions (IFIs), development agencies, and private sector partners. The opportunity to represent the EBRD at international forums and disseminate its infrastructure agenda offers excellent visibility and professional development.
• People Management & Development: As Head of PPI, you will lead and mentor a team of specialists and procurement managers. This is a chance to hone your people management skills, foster a high-performing team, and contribute to the development of future talent within the infrastructure finance sector.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: The SIG sector manages approximately 120 signed projects annually with a significant business volume. This role provides exposure to a wide array of complex and large-scale initiatives, offering continuous learning and growth opportunities.
• Contribution to Key Initiatives: You will play a crucial role in supporting the EBRD Green Cities programme and ensuring Paris Agreement alignment for projects, directly contributing to critical global sustainability efforts.
• Collaborative Environment: The position involves frequent and meaningful interaction with various internal departments (e.g., SIG, VP3, ESD) and external stakeholders, fostering a highly collaborative and cross-functional working environment.
• Dynamic Workplace Culture: The EBRD champions inclusivity, innovation, trust, and responsibility. Their agile and diverse international organisation offers a stimulating and engaging work experience with a focus on making a real difference.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Infrastructure Sector Knowledge: A deep understanding of project preparation, planning, regulation, institutional arrangements, and implementation within the infrastructure sector is essential. This includes familiarity with the transition-driven mandate of organizations like the EBRD, focusing on commercialized approaches, private sector participation, and strong environmental and social standards.
• Proven People Management Experience: The role demands strong leadership and people management capabilities, including recruitment, supervision, motivation, training, and performance management.
• Negotiation & Stakeholder Management Skills: You will need to adeptly negotiate with various stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve project objectives and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Experience with IFIs & Public/Private Sectors: While not strictly mandatory, experience within the infrastructure sector of IFIs is a significant asset. A blend of public sector, consulting, and private sector experience is highly valued, particularly with infrastructure operators or construction companies.
• Adaptability & Change Management: The job description highlights the need to embrace a 'change-agent' role, indicating a dynamic environment where adaptability and a proactive approach to improving communication and processes are crucial.
• Educational Background: A Master's Degree in planning, engineering, or economics, with a specialization in infrastructure sectors, is a prerequisite for this role.
• International Focus: The role requires comfort and proficiency in working within an international context, interacting with diverse cultures and navigating complex global development agendas.

This Associate Director position is ideal for a seasoned professional who is passionate about sustainable infrastructure and possesses the leadership acumen to drive impactful projects on a global scale. It offers a chance to shape policy, build strong partnerships, and contribute significantly to the EBRD's mission.