Principal, Resident Offices

Purpose of Job

The role is responsible for leading and delivering projects related to the Resident Offices Management, Estate Transactions and Projects and team’s activities, with single-point client-side accountability for Cat A and Cat B fit-out (basic functional office shell or transformation of that shell into a fully customised operational workspace), refurbishment and disposal projects across the Bank’s international office network. Working under the guidance of the Associate Director of RO Management, Estate Transactions and Projects, the incumbent coordinates closely with internal and external stakeholders, including landlords, Budget, Finance, Procurement, IT, Security, Office of the General Counsel, Workplace Strategy & Operations, Sustainability and SMART workplace and Risk, to manage projects from strategic definition and business case through to occupation, close-out and post-occupancy review.

The position plays a key role in planning and implementing space-related projects across the Bank’s Resident Offices, currently comprising 55 offices in 41 countries and continuing to grow. It ensures the delivery of high-quality, modern, safe and operationally effective workplaces for staff and visitors, while supporting the Bank’s environmental and social mandate through sustainable procurement, innovation, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, ergonomics, transportation and green initiatives. The role also contributes directly to the development and implementation of Corporate Services business plans, ensuring that projects meet business needs, departmental standards and organisational priorities.

Background

Corporate Services is responsible for EBRD’s workplace, property portfolio and supporting infrastructure, including health and safety, workplace, sustainability, technology and facilities standards, the management of the leased office estate, and the delivery of capital projects that ensure the portfolio remains fit for purpose. In this context, the Principal, RO Services provides overall direction, guidance and management for the delivery of Resident Office and related portfolio services, ensuring that policies, guidelines, service level agreements and initiatives are developed, implemented and maintained effectively. The role is central to aligning future facilities requirements with the Bank’s strategic objectives and client expectations, while maintaining oversight of projects, standards and management arrangements across the RO and wider office portfolio.

The postholder acts as the department’s client-side project delivery capability, representing the Bank’s interests in the planning and implementation of fit-out, refurbishment, relocation and other capital projects. Where specialist project management, cost, design or engineering expertise is required, the role procures and directs the appropriate external resources, while independently managing delivery within the Bank’s Countries of Operations and ensuring compliance with health, safety, security and operational requirements. The role also supports the implementation of modern office space standards in line with the Bank’s strategic vision, including sustainability commitments, technology renewal, operating model change and evolving headcount requirements.

The Principal, RO Services works directly with Managing Directors, Heads of Office, country teams, internal business sponsors and end-user representatives, as well as with colleagues across Sustainability, Facilities Management, Workplace Technology, Procurement, Legal, Finance, Health and Safety, and Operational Risk. The role also manages relationships with external consultants, contractors, landlords, managing agents, surveyors, local advisers and authorities, ensuring effective coordination across all project and estate matters. In addition, the postholder advises management on capital and rental budgets, monitors expenditure and payments across projects led by the Division, presents business cases, change and risk positions to governance forums as required, and undertakes regular international travel to support delivery across the portfolio.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Define and secure approval of project briefs, options appraisals and business cases in consultation with portfolio leads and business sponsors, ensuring each project is supported by a validated business need and approved investment position before design commences.
• Establish and manage project budgets, cost plans and programmes throughout the lifecycle, including cash-flow forecasting, valuation review, payment certification and final account settlement, to ensure delivery within approved financial and time parameters.
• Lead procurement and appointment of consultants and contractors, covering tender strategy, scope and fee negotiation, evaluation and award recommendations under recognised international contract frameworks, including or similar to NEC4 and FIDIC.
• Direct the delivery of fit-out and refurbishment projects as client representative through design, construction, commissioning and handover, ensuring outcomes meet the approved brief, quality standards and operational requirements.
• Maintain robust change control, risk management and governance, including impact assessment, approval routing, contract instruction, risk registers, contingency management and reporting to relevant governance forums.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and sustainability standards to protect the organisation, its staff, contractors and all those involved in project delivery.
• Manage stakeholder requirements and relationships across business units, portfolio leads, executive sponsors, landlords, managing agents and end users, including licence to alter, dilapidations and reinstatement matters.
• Lead occupation, transition and close-out activities, including decant planning, occupier communications, soft landings, asset and safety information transfer, post-occupancy review and lessons learned.
• Maintain effective engagement with senior management, Bank staff and key external parties in relation to the Resident Offices and wider Bank portfolio, including real estate agents, legal advisers, landlords, contractors and specialist service providers.
• Exercise independent judgement, technical expertise and advanced problem-solving to support the effective delivery of Resident Office services and projects across the bank’s office portfolio.
• Oversee contracts with consultants, contractors and service providers for assigned projects and portfolio activities.
• Contribute to divisional working groups and initiatives aimed at improving the working environment, service delivery and operational effectiveness across the Division.
• Deliver assigned projects on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

This role ensures the efficient, cost-effective delivery of high-quality Resident Office facilities that are safe, secure, accessible where practical, environmentally responsible and fit for purpose. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate strong technical, commercial and stakeholder-management capability across the full lifecycle of Resident Representative Office projects. Key responsibilities and requirements include:

• Engage professionally with Banking teams, Managing Directors, Heads of Office, landlords, consultants and internal partners on Resident, Satellite and Representative Office matters.
• Participate in the search for suitable premises, support lease negotiations, prepare budget submissions and manage landlord relationships.
• Coordinate effectively with IT, Security, Health & Safety, Legal and other stakeholders to ensure operational, governance and compliance requirements are met.
• Maintain standard Resident Office documents, templates and forms, and produce clear presentations, reports and written briefings.
• Deliver Cat A and Cat B commercial fit-out projects from inception to completion, with strong knowledge of RIBA Stages 0 to 7, project programmes, risks, change control and contingency management.
• In relation to assigned projects, manage budgets, cost planning, benchmarking, business cases, cash-flow forecasting, valuations, payment certification, procurement processes and commercial decision-making.
• Apply sound knowledge of project management, contractual, real estate and facilities management practices, including working knowledge of CDM requirements and client duties.
• Manage senior stakeholders, competing priorities, matrix relationships and appointed third parties with diplomacy, sound judgement and strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate understanding of the Bank’s mandate, governance requirements and prudent use of resources, with relevant experience in one or more of the Bank’s countries of operations.
• Hold a relevant construction, project management, building surveying, quantity surveying, engineering, architectural or related qualification, or equivalent experience; professional membership is desirable.
• Be computer literate; AutoCAD knowledge is desirable.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English; knowledge of another EBRD official language is highly desirable.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.  

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.   

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).