Principal, Project Implementation Adviser  

Purpose of Job

The Principal, Project Implementation Adviser (PIA, Principal Adviser) is responsible for the key activities within the terms of reference of the Bank's Procurement Policy and Advisory Department's Implementation group. The role is to serve as a guardian of the Bank's policies, to promote high standards and integrity in the Bank's operations, with focus on the public sector, as well as to promote good international procurement and contracting practices throughout the entire project cycle.

The Principal Adviser is involved in developing the project delivery strategy during the structuring of the Bank project, assess the project procurement risk, identify necessary mitigations, and establish the procurement and implementation arrangements. The Principal Adviser shall safeguard the Bank's fiduciary responsibility and ensure timely and efficient project implementation in adherence to the Bank's Procurement Policies and Rules (PPR) for both private and public sector operations.

Principal PIA shall work independently but collaborate with senior team members for guidance and support as necessary.

This role will be based in Belgrade, Serbia, with primary responsibility for providing procurement support to projects in the countries covered by the Serbia Regional Hub, while also offering support to other countries of operation as needed.

The Principal PIA will work under the guidance and supervision of the relevant Associate Director PIA to ensure the effective completion of its duties and responsibilities.

Background

The Principal Adviser is part of the PPAD Implementation function which is under the leadership of the Head of one of the two Implementation Units. On a daily basis the Principal Adviser reports to the Head of one of the Implementation Unit and works as part of the Banking Operation Teams providing specialist contribution to the project preparation and the implementation processes in projects/countries/sectors or other area of responsibility allocated by the PPAD Director to ensure timely and efficient project implementation and completion.

The Principal Adviser will work closely with the engineer(s), the Technical Cooperation (TC) manager(s), the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) lawyer(s) and the Operation Administration Department (OAD) manager(s) advising the Operation Leader at all stages of the project cycle. The role involves managing relationship with external clients regarding procurement and implementation and adherence to the PPR. Where necessary, the Principal Adviser may also prepare procurement related memos and presentations for the relevant committees of the Bank and the Board of Directors.

Facts / Scale

• The PPAD function supports Banking and Bank clients in more than 300 projects involving about 2000 contracts for a value of EUR 21 bn of which EBRD financing is EUR 13 bn. The annual volume of is about 300 contracts representing an annual total value of over EUR 2.5 – 3 billion.
• The Procurement Policy and Advisor Department (PPAD) is headed by one Director, and comprises PPAD Policy (Advisory PIA Units, Policy and Analysis, Front Office, Digital Innovation, Legal & Safeguards) and PPAD Implementation (two Implementation Units).
• The Principal Adviser's main responsibility is to support procurement related matters and to contribute to achieving Banking's annual business volume and financial objectives, ensuring successful project implementation and compliance.
• The business volume and number of operations will be appropriately divided between the PPAD Implementation team staff.
• The main interfaces are with the Bank's public sector clients, co-financing IFIs, OLs and project team members, OCE, OGC, OCCO, Evaluation Department, OAD and ESD.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Working in a multi-disciplinary team, contributing by preparing project procurement and implementation strategies to ensure projects are completed on time in accordance with the Bank's policies. Prepare memos for the relevant Bank committees when necessary.
• Assess procurement risks, contractual arrangements, and client capacity for allocated projects. Propose mitigation measures for project structuring and implementation. For public-private partnership and concession projects, the Principal Adviser will analyse the client's procurement arrangements to ensure compliance with the Bank's Financing of Concessions Guidance.
• The Principal Adviser is expected to manage 10–30 contracts annually under the guidance of the relevant Associate Director, PIA. Depending on performance, the workload may increase to include additional clients and projects.
• Review project related legal documentation, including where applicable donor contribution and capex grant agreements, to ensure compliance with the PPR and adopted implementation strategy.
• For public sector projects: (i) review and prepare no-objections to procurement documents (e.g., procurement notices, tender documents and tender evaluation reports) and (ii) review contracts and amendments to ensure compliance with the PPR.
• Prepare disbursement forecasts for allocated projects.
• Review and/or prepare terms of references and support the selection and placement of contracts for consulting assignments during project structuring and implementation.
• Support project implementation to ensure timely delivery, commissioning and completion in line with agreed conditions.
• Assist with other implementation-related tasks as required by PPAD Director or Head of Implementation Unit.
• Perform all activities in line with PPAD's Operational Standards.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in business administration, economics, engineering or law; or equivalent experience.
• Practical experience in procurement and project implementation in emerging market countries with an understanding of risk management and modern procurement practices;
• Experience working in IFI funded projects;
• Strong command of written and spoken English;
• Good communication and presentation skills;
• Knowledge of local language is desirable.

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 Bank's 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).

Right to Work in the UK: Swiss nationals (and all other non-UK employees) can work in the UK without a Visa - working at the EBRD gives all employees "exempt status". The Bank however encourages all non-UK employees to obtain an Exempt Vignette (EV) prior to relocating to the UK, as without an EV you may face more questions at Border Control and when required to show evidence of their exempt status when renting accommodation under the Right to Rent legislation. The application process may take 3 – 4 weeks approx. outside of the UK.

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