Overview

The Principal, Annual Meeting Programme, Sponsorship and Partnerships is responsible for strategically shaping the programme of the Annual Meeting and Business Forum, providing expert advice in developing event streams and programme structure aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities and the Annual Meetings’ themes. The role manages the overall Annual Meeting marketing efforts; the complete Sponsorship Programme; the AM website and mobile app, and contributes ideas to innovate and improve participants’ experience during Annual Meetings.

The Principal also manages Regional Fora related activities, the sponsorship programme when available, and branding and marketing in collaboration with the Communications Department. The role requires close collaboration with Communications, the President’s Office, Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Procurement, Banking teams, Host Government Authorities, sponsors (including EBRD clients), media partners, various Banking teams and Resident Offices.

The Principal’s role is based in the Office of the Secretary General (OSG). OSG acts as secretariat to the EBRD Board of Governors and Board of Directors and their committees and as the official channel of communication between the EBRD and its shareholders. It is responsible for the organisation of the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, all meetings of the Board of Directors, Regional Fora, other large events under the EBRD, and all protocol matters involving VIPs from shareholder governments. Within OSG, this role is responsible for concept development and advisory on the strategic direction of the AM programme, steering teams responsible for developing narratives for panels and sessions in the Business Forum. The role oversees AM marketing activities across channels, the content and structure of the AM website and mobile app, and designs and manages the full cycle of the sponsorship programme, essential to cost recovery of up to £800,000 per annum. The role is responsible for preparing Annual Meeting papers and reports presented to ExCom, the Board and its Committees.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Annual Meeting and Business Forum programme design and development

• Provides strategic input and guidance on the Annual Meeting and Business Forum theme, event streams and concept development.
• Advises event leads on shaping Business Forum sessions in line with the event’s thematic direction and key messages.
• Ensures the overall programme is cohesive and builds a narrative in line with the Bank’s strategic priorities.
• Contributes ideas to improve participants’ experience at Annual Meetings.
• Drives key internal and external stakeholder relationships and steers engagement for content development.
• Collaborates with the Principal, Annual Meetings Event Management to maximise synergies between events design and delivery.
• Participates in preparatory missions and acts as the main EBRD contact with Host Authorities to align on thematic developments and harmonise activities for marketing and sponsorship programmes.
• Prepares detailed reports on Annual Meeting planning and consolidates input across workstreams.
• Reports on marketing and sponsorship targets and ROI.
• Provides expert advice regarding the tender process and contracts for outsourced registration and for outsourced designers.

Sponsorship

• Accountable for meeting financial targets based on guidelines approved by ExCom and Board members, aiming to reach the budgeted sponsorship target.
• Researches, designs and tests sponsorship strategies in response to geopolitical developments.
• Defines a group of pre-approved sponsor targets in cooperation with Board Directors and senior management.
• Negotiate sponsors’ deliverables and contractual work for each Annual Meeting and monitor their implementation.
• Lead the Analyst responsible for implementing and monitoring the AM sponsorship programme (and Regional Business Forum events when applicable).
• Advises on developing the Host sponsorship programme, ensuring cooperation and mitigating conflict of interest risks between EBRD and Host sponsors.

Marketing

• Devise AM marketing campaigns and manage external media partner agreements to reduce costs and achieve participation and cost recovery targets.
• Work with Communications to structure a robust social media campaign for in-person and remote audiences, expanding the Bank’s AM outreach.
• Lead on producing narrative for outreach and marketing deliverables.
• Collaborates with a professional design agency for branding and the look and feel of the AM website, mobile app, and related materials.
• Manages the Analyst, Marketing & Sponsorship, providing coaching and guidance as needed.
• Drive marketing efforts to reach up to 500 business paying guests (£400,000).

Sustainability

• Designs a strategy to increase sustainable efforts and raise awareness through marketing channels.
• Collaborates with CTO Transformation Office and Climate Strategy and Delivery by providing reports on AM emissions data for offsetting.
• Coordinates sourcing of environmentally friendly merchandise.
• Develops and implements sustainable initiatives, leveraging relationships with outsourced Professional Conference Organisers to reduce carbon footprint and collect emissions data.
• Monitors event accessibility and inclusivity efforts and its communication strategy in coordination with Health and Safety.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent
• Extensive professional experience in event production, programme management, content development, marketing and strategic communication, preferably in an international organisation
• Strong management skills with practical experience and a good grasp of project management tools and timelines
• Extensive experience in marketing campaigns, sponsorship revenue or fundraising in an international events context
• Experience collaborating across departments and with international partners, including government authorities and external companies at management/Minister level
• Ability to operate in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relationships
• Experience with third-party supplier management: tender processes, contracts, commercial arrangements, service reviews
• Attention to detail with the ability to produce clear, concise reports and engaging narratives
• Well-developed analytical capabilities
• Excellent communication and diplomacy skills in navigating stakeholder interests
• Strong presentation skills in English; knowledge of other EBRD official languages is a plus
• Willingness to travel and spend short periods away from home

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

Our agile and innovative approach 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 while helping shape the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We apply these through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well, collaborating smartly, acting decisively, and simplifying to amplify our impact. We seek individuals who share these values and will embed them in their daily work to foster a positive, high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment offers:

• Varied, stimulating work with opportunities to interact with experts across sectors and regions
• A diverse and inclusive culture with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives
• A hybrid workplace with flexibility and trust
• An environment prioritising sustainability, equality and digital transformation
• A comprehensive benefits package

Diversity is a core value at the Bank. We encourage all qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

Please note that due to high volumes of applications, we may not provide detailed feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.