Head of Strategy

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), established in 1956, is a multilateral development bank with a unique social mandate. The CEB finances investment projects and provides technical assistance in social sectors such as education, health and affordable housing, while focusing on the needs of vulnerable people, as well as on the social dimensions of climate change and the environment.

The Executive Office (EO) provides support to the CEB's internal governance and identifies strategic development and business transformation opportunities to broaden the CEB's strategic perspectives and ensure a better delivery of its mandate. It supports the Governor in his leadership role, coordinates with Appointed Officials (the Governor and Vice-Governors), and liaises with the Secretariat of the Partial Agreement of the Council of Europe and the Bank's collegial organs.

The Executive Office is currently looking for a Head of Strategy & Engagement Unit to support the Executive Office in spurring CEB's mission. Working under the oversight of the Director of the Executive Office/Chief of Staff, the Head will provide support in a variety of areas, contributing to institutional development and effectiveness, and strengthening stakeholder engagement in close cooperation with all parts of the Organisation.

This role requires a combination of business acumen with an inclusive and hands-on approach. Acting as an operational linchpin and strategic facilitator within the organisation, the Head of Strategy and Engagement will help the organisation advance toward a more integrated, impact-driven business model and organisational culture. This will be achieved through close engagement with the Organisation's leadership, directorates, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and coherence across all strategic initiatives.

FUNCTIONS

Main Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of the Executive Office/Chief of Staff, with latitude for independent judgement and initiative, the Head of Strategy and Engagement will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• Manage the Strategy and Engagement team, including setting priorities, supervising and developing staff and ensuring operational delivery
• Support the Director of the Executive Office/Chief of Staff in strategic and advisory activities, including institutional positioning, high-level engagements, and cross-organisational coordination.
• Support the Director of the Executive Office/Chief of Staff in the daily activities of the Office.
• Coordinate and contribute to the preparation and follow up of the Organisation's strategic plan, in close collaboration with all internal contributors.
• Prepare analytical briefs, policy papers and presentations on topics relevant for the CEB for external engagements of the Governor and meetings of the CEB's Governing Bodies.
• Under the general guidance of the Director of the Executive Office Chief of Staff, participate or lead on EO's initiatives and projects, and serve as representant of the EO in workgroups and task forces.
• Contribute to the development and nurturing of strategic partnerships with peer institutions, multilateral organisations, and development actors, identifying opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

PROFILE

Academic background:

An advanced university degree in Corporate Governance/Strategy, Finance, Economics, Political Science, Business Administration, or equivalent.

Professional background:

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a strategic management role (governance, strategy, organisational development, results measurements), ideally acquired in an international organisation, International Financial Institution, European Institution or investment bank.
• In-depth comprehension of international, political, economic, social and cultural contexts, in particular those related to multilateral banking activities.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, performance monitoring, and results-based management.
• Experience in partnership development and stakeholder engagement, with donor relations or resource mobilisation experience considered an asset.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and capacity to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven successful experience in people and team management, fostering collaboration, and building high-performing teams.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and manage projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver concise, high-quality analyses, reports, and briefings.

Language skills:

• Excellent command of one of the two CEB official languages (English and French), both oral and written, and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Core competencies:

• Adaptability
• Client Orientation
• Communication
• Innovation
• Result Orientation
• Team Work

Nationality:

• Citizen of one of the Bank's Member States: Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

1) Initial 4-year contract (including a one-year probationary period) with the possibility of renewal one or more times up to six years and of conversion into an indefinite-term contract.

2) Grade and salary:

• A4-A5
• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary range starts between 10,778.85€ and 12,482.43€, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

• Appointment may be made at a lower grade, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

• Grades are established without any discrimination (including gender discrimination)

As an international financial institution, CEB remuneration is exempt of income tax in France. In addition, our offer includes allowances* based on family / personal situation, and medical and personal insurance. Staff members benefit from a contributory pension plan which provides them with either a pension or a leaving allowance.

• Exact benefit package to be determined based on selected candidate's personal situation:

• basic family allowance

• expatriation

• dependent child supplement

• additional dependent child supplement for a single-parent family

• supplement for a disabled and dependent parent

• supplements for a disabled or severely disabled child

• education allowance (children) for expatriate staff members

• installation allowance and reimbursement of travel and removal expenses

RECRUITMENT CONDITIONS

The CEB welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of CEB Member States.

The CEB rigorously applies the principle of equal pay for equivalent work. We are committed to workplace gender equality and strive to ensure the recruitment of suitably qualified and experienced staff without regard to their gender, as well as their age, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation/identity, or disability. In line with peer international financial institutions, the CEB is EDGE certified (Move level), having demonstrated its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and have been assessed against the highest global standards.

Our selection process includes several steps conducted online, such as digitally recorded interviews, technical assignments and interactive panel interviews.

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 before midnight Paris time on 28 November 2025.

Applications from internal candidates should be made using the career site available in Atlas before midnight Paris time on 28 November 2025.