Key Skills

Job Description

This position is based at our Luxembourg headquarters and requires regular office presence. The EIB offers you the opportunity to live and work in a truly international and multi-cultural environment. We also offer relocation support. The EIB, the European Union's bank is seeking to recruit for its Projects Directorate (PJ) - Energy and Environment Department (E2D) - Water Division (WATER), at its headquarters in Luxembourg, an Associate Water Sector Specialist *. This is a full-time position at grade 4. The term of this contract will be 3 years. internal benchmark : Analyst Sector Economist Panel interviews are anticipated for December 2026. Purpose Join the EIB’s Water Division and contribute to projects that improve access to safe, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation services. In this role, you will support the appraisal and monitoring of investments inside and outsie the EU, helping ensure that projects deliver lasting value for communities, the environment and the wider economy. Working closely with experienced specialists, you will develop your expertise while contributing to high-impact projects aligned with the EIB’s climate, sustainability and development objectives. Specific Post Environment You will join a collaborative and highly specialised team within the Water Division, working with sector specialists, economists, engineers and senior experts. This is a strong opportunity to build hands-on experience in project appraisal, sector analysis and investment monitoring while contributing to sustainable infrastructure projects that support the EIB’s public policy mission. Operating Network Internal contacts Professional staff of the WATER division or Energy and Environment Department Department, and EIB staff. External contacts IFIs, bilateral donors, EU institutions, EU and non EU public authorities , promoters and counterparts. Accountabilities With the support and guidance of senior experts, you will contribute to the following activities: Support the identification and early screening of new water and sanitation projects in countries where the Bank operates, both inside and outside the EU, and help shape project preparation, including through technical assistance where needed. Assess the technical and operational soundness of projects, including their climate and environmental sustainability, permitting aspects and socio-economic relevance. Contribute to project appraisal and implementation monitoring in line with EIB standards and requirements, helping prepare operations for approval by the Bank’s governing bodies. Prepare clear and well-structured input on investment proposals and follow approved operations during implementation, including through the coordination of external consultants where relevant. Engage with European Commission counterparts, other financial institutions and relevant external stakeholders to support effective project development and sector dialogue. Take part in missions and meetings inside and outside the EU, with frequent travel potentially required. Qualifications A university degree, at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Economics or another relevant field. At least 3 years of relevant experience in water, wastewater services or related sectors, ideally participating in the appraisal of infrastructure projects or gained across one or more stages of the project cycle, such as feasibility, design, development, contracting, management or operation. Availability and willingness to travel frequently outside the EU. Excellent knowledge of English and/or French***with a good command of the other. Knowledge of French and other EU languages would be an advantage. Preferred Qualifications Your application would be further strengthened by experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas: A postgraduate degree, or a profile combining Engineering with Finance, Economics or Business studies. Experience gained in a bilateral development finance institution or a Multilateral Development Bank. Work experience outside the EU, particularly in contexts where water and sanitation investments support development impact. Knowledge of public procurement and experience mobilising or managing consultancy assignments. Understanding of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment processes. Competencies Find Out More About EIB Core Behavioural Skills Here To find out more about our eligibility criteria click here (***) Unless stated explicitly as a required qualification, a good command of French is not a pre-requisite for hire. As both English and French are however official working languages of the EIB, proficiency in both languages is a pre-requisite for your future career development. Any language clause in your contract must be fulfilled in order for you to be eligible for a promotion (either via the annual appraisal cycle or via an internal selection process). Proficiency is understood to mean the attainment of level 5 of the Inter Institutional language courses, corresponding to B1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The Bank offers appropriate training support. We hire and value talent with unique characteristics, creating a work environment where they can be themselves. We believe that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion makes us a performing and innovative organisation. We encourage all suitably qualified and eligible candidates to apply regardless of their gender identity/expression, age, racial, ethnic and cultural background, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or neurodiversity. If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process due to a disability, neurodivergence, or a chronic health condition, please contact the EIB Recruitment team [email protected] who will manage your request appropriately. By applying for this position, you acknowledge the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the Information of the EIB Group. In case of selection for the position you agree to comply with all measures (policies, controls, document classification and management) implemented by the EIB Group to prevent unauthorised disclosure of any information or any damage to the EIB Group reputation. Deadline for applications: 16th November 2026

Core Responsibilities

Support the identification, appraisal, and monitoring of water and sanitation investments inside and outside the EU, assessing their technical, operational, environmental, climate, and socio-economic merits. Prepare investment proposal inputs, follow projects through implementation, coordinate consultants where relevant, and engage with public authorities, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Applicants need at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering, economics, or a related field, and at least three years of relevant experience in water, wastewater, or related sectors. Frequent travel outside the EU and excellent English and/or French with a good command of the other are required; postgraduate study and experience in development finance, procurement, or environmental and social assessment are advantageous.

Benefits

• Relocation Support