Country Manager
Location: Paris, France
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), established in 1956, is a multilateral development bank with a unique social mandate from its 43 member states. The CEB finances investment in social sectors, including education, health and affordable housing, with a focus on the needs of vulnerable people. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. As a triple-A rated multilateral bank, it funds itself on the international capital markets and approves projects according to strict social added-value criteria, while ensuring sound environmental and governance standards, and provides technical assistance.
The Projects Division (L&D-DP), within the Loans & Social Development Directorate, identifies, screens and coordinates the appraisal, financing and monitoring of bankable social investment projects. The Division is looking for a skilled Country Manager to implement the loan and project financing policy as well as blending operations with the EU and other multilateral institutions, and to contribute to the objectives of the Bank's Strategic Framework. Under the general guidance of the Head of the Projects Division and reporting to a Head of Unit, the successful candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of the economic, political and social environment in CEB member states, excellent analytical skills and strong communication skills.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Identify opportunities for financing projects with high social added value with existing or new borrowers; develop and manage cooperation with national, regional and local authorities and other public or private actors (IFIs, international organisations, donors, consultants) in the preparation of the Bank's projects.
* Analyse the relevant technical, managerial, financial, environmental and social aspects of projects.
* Coordinate preparation and implementation of projects: elaborate financing proposals; draft documents for the CEB's internal committees; negotiate contracts and draft legal documentation; manage disbursements; coordinate technical and financial monitoring within the Project Team.
* Draft and present project reports for the CEB's Administrative Council.
* Represent the CEB at workshops and conferences.
* Manage consultants, including terms of reference, selection, contract negotiation and monitoring.
* Contribute to horizontal tasks related to the project cycle and to strategic documents and working groups.
PROFILE
* A university degree, preferably at postgraduate level, in economics, business or public administration, finance, or an equivalent relevant discipline.
* Minimum of 5 years of experience ideally gained in banking, project financing or financial management in a financial institution, international organisation, development organisation, engineering/construction firm or consulting firm.
* Direct experience in blending loans and grants, and field experience in one or more of CEB's 23 Target Group countries in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
* Very good understanding of project and borrower analysis, lending and negotiation practices, and awareness of project due diligence aspects (technical requirements, sector knowledge, legal background, risks, capital markets, budgeting and procurement rules).
* Proficient financial technical writing and strong familiarity with development banking; proven ability to work independently and to supervise third-party consultants is an asset.
* Excellent command of one of the two CEB official languages (English and French), both oral and written, and knowledge of the other.
* Core competencies: adaptability, client orientation, communication, innovation, result orientation, team work.
* Nationality: citizen of one of the Bank's Member States.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: Initial 4-year appointment (including a one-year probationary period), renewable up to six years with possible conversion into an indefinite-term contract. Grade A2-A3; monthly salary starts between 7,652.42 EUR and 9,442.63 EUR, exempt of French income tax, plus allowances based on eligibility, medical and personal insurance, and a contributory pension plan.
Closing date: 13/09/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications (CV and cover letter) from CEB Member States candidates should be made in English or French using the Bank's online application system at CEB Careers (https://jobs.coebank.org/) before midnight Paris time on 13/09/2026. The selection process includes several steps conducted online, such as digitally recorded interviews, technical assignments and interactive panel interviews. Applicants must be citizens of one of the Bank's Member States.
https://jobs.coebank.org/talentcommunity/apply/1365046255/?locale=en_US