Inside EBRD: Green Banking Careers – Shaping Sustainable Energy Finance

To be successful in our team, I would say the two key areas of knowledge and skills are fundamental banking and development banking.   

On the banking side, non-negotiable skills include core competencies such as corporate credit analysis, financial modelling, structuring and other traditional banking skills. Anyone joining our team in a middle to senior role is expected to have a strong grasp of these fundamental banking skills.   

But the other critical piece is development banking skills, include tasks like identifying transition impact, understanding additionality, and navigating the policy dialogue aspects of our work. That's the 50% of the role unique to institutions like the EBRD, and it's an area where candidates may not have any experience, even if they come from a strong banking background. Ideally, this would mean a solid foundation in areas like corporate or investment banking, where candidates have developed strong analytical, financial structuring, and risk assessment skills. The ideal candidate would bring these banking fundamentals, combined with a genuine interest and willingness to learn the development side of our mandate. They need to understand the importance of the transformational impact and additionality that seek to achieve, even if it means navigating some additional complexities compared to a purely commercial banking role. 

Beyond functional skills, international experience and exposure to emerging markets are also highly valuable. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in the countries and regions we operate can be a major asset. Sector expertise in energy and project finance is also very relevant to our team.   

First and foremost, the chance to work on truly transformative projects that are making a real difference in the countries we operate is incredibly rewarding. 

For example, you could be involved in pioneering initiatives like the renewable hydrogen project we recently financed in Uzbekistan – the first of its kind in Central Asia. Or you might work on developing large-scale solar projects, such as the project we supported in Azerbaijan, the country's first utility-scale renewable energy facility.  

The exposure to EBRD's extensive resident office network is another key draw. Rather than a centralised, headquarters-driven approach, you could have the opportunity to be based in one of our local offices. I spent several years in our Istanbul office, and the possibility of being placed in the local context and building deep relationships with stakeholders is incredibly valuable. Importantly, you'd be joining a highly diverse, international workforce. We have a really impressive mix of nationalities and backgrounds, with many of our bankers hailing directly from the countries we cover. You'd be able to draw on that knowledge base, while also gaining exposure to new markets, innovative technologies, and development-focused initiatives that may not be as prominent in a purely commercial banking context. 

One application that stood out to me was from a candidate who clearly did their homework on EBRD and our energy team. They demonstrated a deep understanding of the bank's mandate, our strategic priorities, and the specific projects and initiatives we've been working on.  

For example, the candidate referenced reading our publicly available energy sector strategy, as well as the country strategies for some of the key markets we cover, like Azerbaijan. They were able to speak knowledgeably about the transition challenges and opportunities in those countries, and how our team has been working to address them through innovative financing structures and policy engagement. 

But what really impressed me was how the candidate took  that research and knowledge and then thoughtfully connected it back to their own background and experience. They didn't just recite facts about EBRD – they showed how their skills and expertise in areas like project finance, renewable energy, and working in emerging markets could directly contribute to the work we're doing. The candidate acknowledged that there would be a learning curve in grasping our mandate’s development banking side. But they expressed a genuine enthusiasm and willingness to dive in and develop that knowledge, drawing clear parallels between what they've done in the past and how it could be applied in our context. 

Beyond the financial compensation, the role offers unique professional and personal development opportunities that go far beyond a typical banking position. You'll join a highly diverse, international workforce where you can contribute your Swiss expertise while broadening your horizons through exposure to different markets, cultures and innovative practices in sustainable finance.  

As part of the EBRD, you'll be directly involved in projects with a tangible, lasting impact, using your skills to drive sustainable transitions in dynamic emerging economies. You'll also benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters learning from global peers, policy influencers and development experts, enriching your experience and expanding your professional network. Most importantly, you'll be part of an institution with a mission that resonates globally, contributing to meaningful change and promoting economic resilience and green development around the world.