Principal, Water Sector Policy Specialist

Requisition ID 36955 Office Country Kyrgyzstan Office City Bishkek Division Policy and Partnerships Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 08/09/2026

Purpose of Job

The Principal, Water Sector Policy Specialist will support the Bank’s policy engagement, sector reform and technical cooperation activities in the water sector across Central Asia, with a strong focus on alignment with EBRD investment operations.

Working as part of cross-functional teams comprising Banking, Legal Transition, economists and other policy units, the role will contribute to the design and implementation of water sector policy dialogue, sector reform roadmaps, and technical assistance programmes addressing water supply and sanitation, irrigation, water resource management, climate resilience and sector governance.

The position will play a key role in strengthening the policy, regulatory, institutional and financial underpinnings of water sector investments, particularly in early and intermediate transition contexts characterised by climate stress, transboundary water challenges, ageing infrastructure and capacity constraints.

Background

Water is a critical and finite resource underpinning economic development, food and energy security, public health and environmental sustainability. Across Central Asia, the water sector faces acute challenges including climate-induced water scarcity, dependence on transboundary river systems, deteriorated Soviet-era infrastructure, low financial sustainability of utilities, and fragmented governance arrangements.

Under the Bank’s Strategic and Capital Framework and Sustainable Infrastructure ambitions, the EBRD supports the water sector through a combination of sovereign and sub-sovereign investment, policy dialogue and technical assistance, focusing on incremental reform, institutional strengthening and long-term sustainability.

The Water Sector Policy Specialist will contribute to this agenda by ensuring that policy reform objectives are technically sound, well sequenced and operationally linked to investments, and by supporting Central Asian authorities and utilities in adopting improved governance, regulatory and resource management practices in line with international good practice.

Facts / Scale

The Principal is expected to be capable of leading individual policy engagement projects or themes under the supervision of the Associate Director and may work individually or in a team to deliver their objectives.

• Covers a portfolio of Central Asian Countries of Operation, including early transition contexts.
• Supports policy engagement linked to investment programmes typically covering drinking water, wastewater, irrigation, and climate resilience.
• Works in close coordination with Banking teams on investment projects often combining loans with grant-funded technical cooperation.
• Contributes to Bank diagnostics, sector reform roadmaps and country strategies with a focus on increased water sector performance and sustainability.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Contribute to policy dialogue with government counterparts, regulators, utilities and other stakeholders in support of water sector investments and reform programmes in Central Asia.
• Support the design and implementation of water sector policy reforms, including governance, regulation, tariff methodologies, corporatisation, performance management, and institutional capacity building.
• Provide policy and sector inputs to Sector Reform Roadmaps, Country Strategies and investment preparation, ensuring consistency between technical design, reform ambition and country context.
• Design, procure and oversee technical assistance projects, including preparation of Terms of Reference, consultant selection, supervision of deliverables and quality assurance.
• Support coordination with other IFIs, donors and development partners active in the water sector to promote complementarity, share knowledge and avoid duplication.
• Engage in knowledge sharing, conferences and workshops on water sector reform, technology, and good governance as required.
• Contribute analytical inputs to policy notes, sector studies and briefing materials for Management, drawing on water economics and international benchmarks.
• Ensure that policy activities reflect the Bank’s commitments on climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, inclusion and affordability.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Motivation What is it like to work at the 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. The EBRD environment provides you with: 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. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time. 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).
  • Demonstrated strong commitment to, and understanding of, the Bank’s transition agenda.
  • Education
    • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, water resources management, environmental policy, public policy, engineering with a policy focus, or a related field.
  • Experience
    • Relevant professional experience in water sector policy, regulation, sector reform or water economics, preferably in multilateral, government, consultancy or utility-related contexts.
    • Demonstrated exposure to water supply and sanitation, irrigation, water resource management and/or climate resilience issues in emerging or transition economies.
    • Experience supporting or managing policy dialogue, technical cooperation or advisory projects, including interaction with public sector counterparts.
    • Familiarity with issues such as utility governance, tariff reform, non‑revenue water, investment planning, PPP frameworks or donor coordination is an advantage.
  • Skills and Competencies
    • Strong analytical skills with ability to translate technical and economic analysis into practical policy recommendations.
    • Sound understanding of the political economy and institutional constraints affecting water sector reform.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting of policy notes and management briefings.
    • Ability to operate effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
    • Strong organisational and project management skills.
    • Strong proficiency in standard business software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with data analysis tools is desirable
  • Language/Technical
    • Fluency in English required; knowledge of Russian or a Central Asian language is an advantage.
  • 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;
  • An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.