EU ASSOCIATE

Company

EDFI: The Association of European Development Finance Institutions - - is seeking experienced development finance professionals to join its Secretariat team in Brussels. If selected, you will work with a young, ambitious, and dynamic team committed to shaping global development finance to drive sustainable impact.

Position:

EU Associate

WHO WE ARE and WHAT WE DO

Established in 1992, EDFI brings together 15 bilateral European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) managing a combined portfolio of €53 billion, including over €15 billion dedicated to climate finance. In partnership with institutions like USDFC and FinDev Canada, EDFI supports and promotes impactful investments in developing countries.

Our mission is to enhance professional networks, inform policy, and drive innovation in industry standards. EDFI collaborates with key global partners, including Multilateral Development Banks, impact investors, EU institutions, and advocacy organizations.

With more than 3,500 professionals working across member and partner organizations, EDFI represents a powerful community committed to leveraging finance for climate action and reducing inequality. Together, we’ve invested in over 15,000 projects in developing countries.

Guided by the EDFI Strategy 2024–2027, we aim to:

1. Enhance the collective development impact and operational efficiency of EDFI members.
2. Strengthen European DFIs’ ability to mobilize institutional and private investors for impact-driven investments.
3. Intensify engagement with strategic partners, including the European Union.
4. Foster a resilient and future-ready EDFI membership network.

With Whom Will You Be Working?

The vacant positions are in the EDFI Secretariat, based in Brussels . The Secretariat team consists of a dynamic and diverse group of 10 professionals who operate in a cross-functional environment. The team has a strong external outlook and is closely connected to employees and the operations of our member organizations.

Working at the EDFI Association offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-level policy and advocacy work while maintaining close connections to the investments and strategies of the European DFIs in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies. This collaborative setup provides a supportive and stimulating professional environment for growth and impact.

Function

As an EU Associate at EDFI, you will play a pivotal role in advancing EDFI’s strategic engagement within EU Institutions and the broader European development finance framework. You will support high-impact initiatives such as EU support for Ukraine and contribute to advancing the European Finance Architecture for Development (EFAD). In this role, you will ensure alignment with EDFI’s broader goals under its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

This is an excellent opportunity to influence European policy and regulations while collaborating with diverse international stakeholders to promote sustainable and impactful development finance.

Key responsibilities :

Strategic and Operational Support:

• Support the implementation of EDFI’s EU engagement strategy
• Monitor EU policy and regulation developments related to sustainable development and private finance.
• Contribute to the EU’s strategic initiativesand generate relevant data to support DFIs’ contributions.
• Assist in advancing initiatives on responsible impact finance, including work on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2028-2034.
• Participate in reviewing and shaping European sustainable finance regulations (e.g. EU Taxonomy).

Knowledge Sharing and Research:

• Contribute to EDFI’s knowledge-sharing platforms and maintain data integrity across internal archives.
• Conduct research on European development finance strategies and instruments.
• Support the development of new guarantee initiatives under the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+).

Administrative and Coordination Tasks:

• Draft correspondence, proposals, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, including bilateral and multilateral engagements with EU institutions, EDFI Members, and key partners.
• Assist in organizing EDFI events and workshops.
• Ensure seamless communication within the Secretariat and with external partners.

Profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and early exposure to impact investing or international cooperation, as well as the following qualifications:

Qualifications & Skills:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in international relations, European Studies, Development Finance, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
• Up to 2 years of relevant experience in EU policy, international development, or financial services.
• Strong understanding of EU policies and institutions, especially in international development and sustainable finance contexts.
• Excellent research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with knowledge management systems (e.g., SharePoint) is a plus.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in additional EU languages is a bonus.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in cross-functional teams.

Proactive and solution-oriented approach with a keen interest in sustainable development and impact finance.

Key Attributes:

• • Strong attention to detail, with excellent planning and organizational skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage complex tasks effectively under tight deadlines.
  • A genuine passion for sustainable finance, European policy, and international development.

Important Note

• This position is based in Brussels . EDFI welcomes applications from candidates who hold a valid work permit for Belgium. If you currently reside outside Belgium, please be prepared to relocate to Brussels at your own expense.

Offer

Joining EDFI as an EU Associate means becoming part of a vibrant team that shapes the future of European development finance while advancing global climate and sustainable development goals. We offer:

• Competitive Compensation: A salary package aligned with your experience and qualifications.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a highly motivated, international team driving meaningful change.
• Flexibility: The position is based in Brussels, with the possibility to work flexibly from home part-time.
• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to initiatives that drive impactful and sustainable development finance across Europe and beyond.
• Professional Growth: You will gain exposure to high-level EU policy discussions and collaboration with international institutions, fostering both personal and professional growth.

How to Apply and Recruitment Process

Applying is quick and straightforward. Click the “Apply Now” button and upload your CV in English.

The recruitment process is designed to be efficient and fast-paced, with a total duration of just four weeks :

1. CV Screening : If your CV meets the requirements, you’ll move to the next step.
2. Written Questionnaire : Selected candidates will receive a written questionnaire to complete. Convincing answers will fast-track you to the next phase.
3. Interview with External Recruiter : A Teams interview with Hans Verheij, our dedicated external recruiter, to discuss your profile and alignment with the role.
4. Interview with the COO : If successful, you’ll meet Philippe Berger , Chief Operating Officer, for a deeper discussion.
5. Panel Interview : The final stage is a panel interview with David Kuijper and selected team members.

We value your time and aim to provide feedback promptly at every stage. Apply now to join our dynamic team!