Managing Director, Chief Evaluator

The Managing Director, Chief Evaluator pilots the Independent Evaluation function of the Bank and plays a pivotal role in embedding a culture and practice of evaluation across the EBRD. The role leads the Independent Evaluation function and oversees the preparation and circulation of evaluation reports.

Taking into account evolving international practices, relevant research and evaluation report findings, and with consideration of the private sector focus of the EBRD, the MD Chief Evaluator deploys a strategic approach to position the Bank as a lead evaluation example across Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), continuously improving the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the Bank's evaluation activities for the design and conduct of operations.

The role provides independent strategic leadership to design, advocate and deliver a comprehensive set of products and services mandated by EBRD's shareholders as essential for institutional oversight and accountability, and as a vital contributor to the Bank's overall performance, strategic relevance, institutional effectiveness, reputation, and internal alignment.

The MD, Chief Evaluator maintains the independence and integrity of the function, reporting directly to the Board of Directors and operating according to the Evaluation Policy.

The MD, Chief Evaluator will lead a team of 24 staff, including up to 6 direct reports.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Engage with the Board of Directors, especially through the Board's ARC, to ensure the widest possible understanding and support for the mission, strategy, and activities of IEvD.
• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and managerial oversight to the IEvD to develop, advocate, and deliver a complex set of evaluation products and services relevant to a wide range of institutional activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and standards.
• Communicate evaluation findings and recommendations effectively to the Board, management, and other stakeholders, ensuring evaluation findings and recommendations are adequately taken into account in matters placed before the Board, and are duly considered when Management Actions Plans (MAPs) are developed.
• Ensure maximum impact by sequencing findings in good time to inform relevant aspects of the Bank's wider strategic planning.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the IEvD.
• Contribute to the Bank's standing and reputation among its shareholders, institutional counterparts, and the wider public by delivering transparent accountability and objective evidence of performance.
• Develop a medium-term strategic plan for IEvD, setting out future directions, priorities, resource expectations, and performance metrics aligned with the Bank's strategic agenda and Transition Qualities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the IEvD's work programme and budget, ensuring alignment with the Bank's strategic priorities, collaborating with key Board and management stakeholders to inform this activity.
• Jointly with management, track follow-up on relevant recommendations.
• Manage the IEvD's budget and resources efficiently and effectively, enhancing staff's sense of engagement
• Attract and retain highly capable staff with the competencies needed to produce world-class evaluation products and services of high impact and relevance. Ensure a positive work environment and constructive relationships between IEvD and multiple clients.
• Work with Management to design, continually improve, and advise upon the Bank's Self Evaluation system, providing training and encouraging the effective use of evaluation findings.
• Participate in senior Management-level meetings on an issue-basis and regularly consult directly with the President and senior Management to build understanding of the value of evaluation work, deepen its integration into the Bank's programmes and priorities, and ensure its responsiveness to organisational needs.
• Represent the IEvD at internal and external meetings, conferences, and other events.
• Championing and role modelling the Bank's Workplace Behaviours and promoting these within the team. Ensuring that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited within the team at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Strong academic background to at least Masters level in business, finance or relevant area.
• In depth knowledge of evaluation's role in a private sector oriented international financial institution (preferable) and an advanced knowledge of evaluation either as a provider or a user.
• Strong leadership skills: ability to motivate, persuade and guide.
• Strong managerial experience and skills, including planning and team building, resulting in a high level of staff engagement.
• Experience in a multicultural environment.
• Experience in working in the private sector or working with the private sector would be desirable.
• Organisation awareness and ability to get things done.
• Ability to apply sound professional judgement based on extensive practical experience.
• Ability to devise creative solutions on complex issues regarding wider institutional performance.
• Highly developed communication skills; ability to communicate with clarity and impact.
• Sound judgement, and the highest standards of integrity.
• Ability to communicate complex technical and strategic issues to a wide range of internal (Board, ExCom etc) and external (media, capitals etc) stakeholders.
• Ability to formulate strategy and policy objectives and conceptual and strategic level skills, and capacity to connect them to a pragmatic and credible execution plan to achieve them.
• Strong partnership skills and negotiation skills to enable positive engagement with teams throughout the Bank and contribute to the cohesiveness of the Bank's senior management.

The EBRD is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workplace. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background.