Associate Civil Society Manager for Southern and Eastern Mediterranean - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development - London

The Associate Manager is responsible for facilitating engagement with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other civil society stakeholders at the institutional level and acts as a primary liaison for civil society in the Bank’s countries of operations under her/his competence, namely Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and potentially other countries in Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.

Within the External Relations and Partnerships group in VP Policy and Partnerships, the Civil Society Engagement (CSE) Unit manages the Bank’s institutional relations with civil society stakeholders through the facilitation of an on-going engagement with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), policy think-tanks, academic research institutes, women’s groups, professional associations and other civil society organisations (CSOs).

The Unit advises relevant teams on civil society issues, conducts outreach and disseminates information about the EBRD’s activities to civil society stakeholders; and facilitates dialogue and consultations with civil society regarding the development of the Bank’s policies, strategies and projects. It operates in close cooperation with the Banking Department, Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD), Economics, Policy and Governance (EPG), Donor Co-Financing (DCF), and other teams. The Unit contributes to enhancing the Bank’s transparency and accountability and incorporating civil society’s input in the Bank’s decision making processes.

The Manager organises and facilitates, when required, dialogue between CSOs and the President, senior management and Board Directors in the Bank’s countries of operations under her/his competence. In addition, the Manager advises relevant teams, including bankers, economists, and environmental and social experts as well as Bank clients, on civil society issues – particularly related to human rights, social issues, gender, labour issues, social entrepreneurship, social impact investments and related topics. The Manager also coordinates project and policy related information disclosure and correspondence, manages medium size TC projects and TC project teams and organises consultations and outreach events at Resident Offices (ROs) and Headquarters (HQ).

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under limited guidance by the Head, responsible for the Unit’s initiative devoted to capacity enhancement of CSOs, including managing TC project teams, identifying new opportunities, developing and managing medium size TC projects, managing external consultants and TC budgets.

Advise relevant teams and Residents Offices on civil society issues, assess the reputational risk related to Bank projects and other initiatives, explore new ideas and propose opportunities for civil society engagement, including in terms of partnership, consultation and information sharing.

Ensure timely and accurate flow of information between the Bank and CSOs – in written and other forms – in line with the Public Information Policy (PIP) and coordinate responses to project and policy related correspondence from CSOs in coordination with relevant teams, which will contribute to the Bank’s reputation as a reliable and responsive international organisation.

Prepare internal briefings on CSO issues related to significant and complex projects and policies to be presented to senior management and Board, and in conjunction with relevant teams, advise on best approaches in handling relations with civil society stakeholders – including establishing dialogue, project enhancement and communication strategy – to maintain internal awareness towards public concerns and forestall potential reputation risks.

Identify and network with new CSOs and local and international counterparts dealing with civil society issues to respond to the changes in the CSO sector and ensure that relevant organisations receive accurate information about the Bank’s activities and operations in the region.

Manage the process of soliciting and responding to civil society input from local and international groups and organisations on selected draft country strategies and policies, including the organisation of consultation workshops, and prepare reports on public comments and management responses in line with the PIP.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

A demonstrable amount of professional experience working with NGOs and other civil society stakeholders, ideally within an international organisation or financial institution.

Degree from a leading university and a relevant post graduate degree (international relations, environment, business or social sciences) or equivalent work experience.

Extensive knowledge of civil society issues, particularly related to social issues, social entrepreneurship and human rights, and key players globally and in the Bank’s region, particularly Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.

Strong project management skills and project team management skills; some people management skills.

Good research, analytical and drafting skills.

Sound interpersonal, co-ordination and negotiation skills.

Excellent written and spoken English and good knowledge of one or more regional languages essential, such as French, Arabic, Turkish or Greek.

Computer Literate: Windows XP (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Diversity Matters

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. THIS POSITION IS BEING OFFERED AS A ONE YEAR SHORT TERM CONTRACT