Principal II Specialist, Water

Purpose of Job

The Principal II Specialist, Water is responsible for the technical aspects of projects within the water sector, contributing to all phases of the investment cycle, primarily involved in project preparation and, to a much lesser extent, project implementation and monitoring. Additionally, the Specialist will assess project opportunities, risks, and transition impacts from an engineering point of view, support sustainable solutions in cities and regions the Bank operates, and support the Bank’s infrastructure strategy, policy dialogue, client management, and business development.

• The Sustainable Infrastructure Policy & Project Preparation (SI3P) team enables EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group (SIG) to develop future‑ready programmes and high‑quality projects.
• The Principal II Specialist will be a member of the Project Preparation & Implementation (PP&I) Unit, providing technical advisory for projects in exploratory, preparation, and delivery stages, and supporting the Green Cities initiative.
• The Specialist will provide technical authority to the SIG banking teams to originate and develop their pipeline of projects in the water sector, supporting the Operation Leader with project preparation, appraisal, and monitoring.
• The Specialist will be recognized for technical knowledge and independent advisory on emerging technologies across diverse project types, including integrated water resource management, dams, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, nature‑based solutions, digital solutions, irrigation, and other non‑conventional projects.
• The Specialist will assist in selecting and appointing external technical consultants, reviewing, monitoring, and enhancing their work to ensure high‑quality deliverables.
• The Specialist may advise on softer reform components, such as Technical Cooperation, and coordinate with other banking teams to facilitate project development.

• Independently carry out, lead, and/or supervise technical due diligence to appraise technical and commercial viability of projects.
• Screen initial project proposals to inform the Operation Leader and, when appropriate, the Team Director regarding resource commitment.
• Lead or participate in pre‑feasibility site visits.
• Meet with key stakeholders to support the Project Leader during the lifecycle.
• Prepare project documentation such as Technical Due Diligence ToRs, review Loan Agreements, and provide technical input in covenants.
• Select and appoint external technical consultants.
• Oversee consultant‑led technical due diligence, reviewing financial models and economic/financial assumptions.
• Validate Green Economy Transition assessments.
• Provide technical inputs to secure donor financing for Technical Cooperation and investment grants.
• Support the development of Green City Action Plans.
• Draft technical sections of internal memos and attend clarification meetings.
• Present robust technical opinions at Bank Committees and Board meetings.
• Apply Technical Advisory to Projects in Delivery.
• Assist with project monitoring to support loan disbursement where requested.
• Resolve project delivery issues pragmatically.
• Lead site visits with Implementation Support Consultants and lenders’ Technical Advisors.
• Offer practical solutions that facilitate project signing and delivery while maintaining integrity.
• Maintain awareness of water sector market trends and solutions.
• Seek cross‑sector opportunities to realize improved projects.
• Assist project monitoring for loan disbursement or implementation.
• Contribute to related policies, country and Bank strategies, and the Green Cities initiative.
• Stay abreast of regional and EU policy issues, interacting with sector organisations.
• Advise on policy implications for signed or preparatory projects.
• Collaborate with internal departments to facilitate project development.
• Support new joiners and provide coaching on project screening, scoping, due diligence, implementation, and monitoring.
• Assist the Project Implementation Adviser and provide technical advice on implementation, policy strategy, and climate change mitigation.

• Degree…