Head of European Relations

Executive Office – European Relations Unit

Location: Paris, France

Grade: A4–A5

Salary: Competitive tax-exempt salary plus allowances and comprehensive benefits

Contract: Initial four-year appointment with the possibility of renewal and conversion to an indefinite-term contract

Closing date: 31 August 2026

Shape the future of Europe’s social investment agenda.

Help strengthen the partnerships that enable social impact across Europe.

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is Europe’s only multilateral development bank with an exclusively social mandate. Bringing together 43 member countries, we finance projects that improve lives through investment in education, health, affordable housing, social inclusion and support for vulnerable communities, while responding to emerging challenges including climate change and humanitarian crises. Our work helps strengthen social cohesion and create more resilient societies across Europe.

As our new Head of European Relations, you will play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the Bank’s Executive Office. Working directly with the Chief of Staff, you will shape and strengthen the CEB’s institutional relationships with the European Union and key European development finance networks, ensuring the Bank continues to influence policy discussions and maximise opportunities to deliver its unique social mandate.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished senior professional with extensive experience across European institutions, international organisations or multilateral development finance to help shape strategic partnerships that make a tangible difference across Europe.

The opportunity

Leading the European Relations Unit, you will develop and drive the Bank’s engagement with the European Union institutions while strengthening relationships across European development bank networks, including the European Long-Term Investors Association (ELTI).

You will monitor political and policy developments across the European Union, advising senior leadership on strategic implications for the Bank and representing the CEB at high-level meetings, committees and conferences. Acting as a trusted adviser to the Chief of Staff and senior management, you will help position the Bank as a recognised partner within the European institutional landscape.

Working closely with colleagues across the Bank, particularly operational teams, you will identify opportunities to maximise the benefits of European Union financing instruments, regulatory developments and policy initiatives. You will coordinate senior-level engagement between the Governor, Vice-Governors and European counterparts while ensuring consistent and effective institutional cooperation across the organisation.

You will also lead and develop a high-performing team, creating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional excellence.

What you’ll bring

You will be a strategic relationship builder with the credibility to engage confidently at the highest institutional levels and the judgement to navigate complex political environments.

You should bring:

• An advanced university degree in European studies, international relations, political science, economics, public policy or another relevant discipline, together with substantial professional experience gained within European Union institutions, international financial institutions or international organisations.
• A proven track record of developing and managing senior-level institutional relationships, building strategic partnerships and influencing policy and advocacy within a European or international context.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing high-performing teams and fostering an inclusive, collaborative and results-oriented working environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and drafting skills, combined with the ability to analyse complex issues, influence stakeholders and represent an organisation with credibility at senior level.
• Excellent command of either English or French, together with a good working knowledge of the other language, or a commitment to attain it.

Why join the CEB?

At the CEB, your work contributes directly to improving the lives of millions of people across Europe. Every partnership you build and every strategic relationship you strengthen helps expand the Bank’s ability to finance projects that support social cohesion, sustainable development and vulnerable communities.

You’ll join an international organisation where collaboration, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture. Working alongside highly experienced professionals from across our member countries, you’ll have the opportunity to influence European policy discussions while helping deliver meaningful social impact.

Our remuneration package includes a competitive tax-exempt salary, comprehensive allowances based on eligibility, medical insurance, pension arrangements and relocation support where applicable.

The Council of Europe Development Bank is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, beliefs or sexual orientation. The CEB is EDGE Move certified, reflecting its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organisation.