Managing Director, Chief Evaluator (London, GB)

## Senior Leadership Opportunity: Managing Director, Chief Evaluator at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) This review provides a comprehensive overview of the Managing Director, Chief Evaluator position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at assisting prospective candidates in understanding this significant career opportunity.

The Opportunity: Pioneering Independent Evaluation in a Dynamic Financial Institution

The role of Managing Director, Chief Evaluator (MD Chief Evaluator) at the EBRD presents a truly exceptional leadership challenge and a unique chance to shape the future of evaluation within a prominent multilateral development bank (MDB). This is a pivotal position, tasked with establishing and leading the Independent Evaluation (IEvD) function, fostering a robust culture of evaluation across the entire institution, and ensuring its strategic impact. If you are a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of evaluation principles and a passion for driving institutional effectiveness, this role offers a platform to leave a lasting legacy.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Strategic Leadership and Influence: This position is at the forefront of institutional oversight. You will have direct reporting lines to the Board of Directors, offering unparalleled access and influence in embedding evaluation findings into strategic decision-making and operational improvements. This is an opportunity to be a key advisor to the highest levels of the Bank.
• Pioneering Role: The MD Chief Evaluator is responsible for piloting and developing the IEvD function. This involves defining its strategic direction, designing its products and services, and positioning the EBRD as a benchmark for evaluation practices among MDBs. You will be instrumental in building this function from a strategic perspective.
• Impactful Work: The core purpose of this role is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of the EBRD's operations. Your work will directly contribute to the Bank's accountability, reputation, and its ability to achieve its strategic objectives and make a tangible difference in the regions it invests in.
• Intellectual Stimulation and Continuous Learning: The role demands staying abreast of evolving international evaluation practices, relevant research, and best practices. You will have the opportunity to engage with complex issues, devise creative solutions, and continuously refine your understanding of evaluation in a private-sector-oriented financial institution.
• Building and Leading a World-Class Team: A significant aspect of this role involves attracting, retaining, and developing highly capable staff. You will have the opportunity to build and lead a team that produces "world-class evaluation products and services," fostering a positive and high-performing work environment.
• Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: You will collaborate and engage with a wide array of stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, senior management, operational teams, and external partners. This requires exceptional communication, negotiation, and partnership skills.
• Commitment to Values: The EBRD's core values of Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility are deeply embedded in its culture. This role provides an opportunity to champion these values and contribute to an inclusive and high-performing environment.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Depth of Evaluation Expertise: A strong academic foundation is required, coupled with in-depth knowledge and advanced experience in evaluation. This includes understanding its application within an international financial institution and its role in both direct evaluation and advising on self-evaluation systems.
• Strategic Vision and Leadership: Beyond technical evaluation skills, the role demands strategic thinking, the ability to formulate policy objectives, and the capacity to translate these into pragmatic execution plans. Proven leadership experience, including motivating, persuading, and guiding teams, is essential.
• Managerial Acumen: This is a significant managerial role. Candidates will need demonstrable experience in planning, team building, resource management, and fostering staff engagement. The ability to manage a budget efficiently and effectively is also crucial.
• Navigating Complex Institutional Dynamics: The EBRD is a complex organization with a private sector focus. Understanding its operational landscape, and having experience working in or with the private sector, would be highly advantageous. The ability to foster positive relationships and drive change across different departments is key.
• Communication and Influence: The ability to communicate complex technical and strategic issues with clarity and impact to diverse audiences – from the Board to external stakeholders – is paramount. Strong partnership and negotiation skills will be vital for effective collaboration.
• Integrity and Professional Judgement: This role operates with a high degree of independence and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the evaluation function. Sound professional judgment, based on extensive practical experience, and the highest standards of integrity are non-negotiable.
• Fixed-Term Contract: It's important to note that this is a fixed-term contract of 6 years. Candidates should consider how this aligns with their long-term career aspirations.

In Conclusion:

The Managing Director, Chief Evaluator position at the EBRD is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished professional who is passionate about driving institutional excellence through rigorous and impactful evaluation. It offers the chance to lead, innovate, and significantly influence the strategic direction of a key international financial institution. If you possess the requisite expertise, leadership qualities, and a commitment to making a difference, this role represents a compelling next step in your career journey.