IDB Invest - Environmental & Social Director, Washington DC

Location

Post of duty: Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

We improve lives

IDB Invest is the private sector arm of the IDB Group committed to supporting the sustainable development of Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. Our mission is to finance, structure, and mobilize capital for companies and projects that support economic growth, resilience, and long-term development across the region.

IDB Invest operates in 26 countries, structured across four geographic regions and three industry verticals: Infrastructure and Energy, Financial Institutions, and Corporates.

As part of its evolving business model, “Originate to Share,” IDB Invest is expanding its capacity to mobilize private capital and scale development impact across Latin America and the Caribbean, supported by a $3.5 billion capitalization from its shareholders. The model strengthens IDB Invest’s ability to originate high-quality assets, structure innovative financial solutions, and connect global capital with opportunities across the region.

About this position

The Risk Management Department of IDB Invest is looking for a professional with a strong environmental and social management and stakeholder engagement background to lead a team focused on: i) identification and management of the environmental and social risks and impacts of IDB Invest-financed portfolio ii) institutional grievance management and response; iii) stakeholder engagement, iv) transparency and access to information activities, and v) knowledge and learning, and quality enhancement.

What you’ll do

The Environmental and Social Director will report to the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Managing Director and will manage a team of people. Responsibilities consist of:

• Conduct sector/region-specific portfolio analysis to identify and assess risks and trends and quality assurance.
• Manage a team of social performance specialists in charge of identifying and managing the social risks and impacts of IDB Invest-financed projects.
• Provide E&S Officers with timely guidance on environmental and social strategy and challenges, incorporate lessons learned from portfolio transactions and review policy compliance.
• Lead the execution of environmental and social risk cross support, including to IDB Lab.
• Manage the Management-Led Grievance Mechanism (MGM) and related actions.
• Lead institutional responses to eligibility and compliance reviews cases led by the IDB Invest Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI), coordinate Management participation in dispute resolution processes, and implement Management Action Plans.
• Lead the Stakeholder Engagement work focused on engaging with stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, as well as working with IDB Invest financed projects to integrate stakeholder engagement into their projects and companies. Develop partnerships with key stakeholders and relevant organizations with the aim of enhancing the environmental and social sustainability of IDB Invest projects.
• Lead the transparency and access to information team and implement related institutional actions.
• Maintain and contribute to an integrated perspective of environmental and social and transparency risk through data and analytics, managing the implementation of division actions plans related to internal audits.
• Generate lessons learned from grievance responses, portfolio assessments, access to information reports and other internal and external evaluations.
• Analyze and implement backbone improvements for generating quality environmental and social and transparency data to support decision-making and compliance.
• Lead the development and implementation of capacity-building programs on environmental and social risk management and transparency for IDB Invest employees and clients.

  Management Responsibilities:

  • Manage highly skilled interdisciplinary, and multi-cultural professionals to manage environmental, social and transparency risks.
  • Lead institutional coordination on environmental and social and transparency risk aspects.
  • Ensure proper coordination between functional areas within IDB Invest and leverage opportunities for synergies.
  • Provide mentoring to the Team.

    What you'll need

    Education

    Master's degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in law, anthropology, sociology, environmental management, environmental engineering, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role, particularly those related to addressing environmental and social risks and impacts and/or sustainable finance, stakeholder engagement, and communications.

    Experience

    At least 10 years of progressive relevant experience, preferably 12-15 years of experience, with a proven track record of managing and delivering environmental and, especially, social safeguard services. Experience at the leadership level and in management positions in international financial institutions would be highly valued. Experience with stakeholder engagement, transparency and access to information is a plus.

    Proven experience related to one or more areas of environmental and social risk management, stakeholder engagement, transparency and access to information, grievance management, labor and working conditions, gender, community and work health and safety, involuntary resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, cultural heritage, environmental management.

    Candidates should have:

  • Proven track record with the management of interdisciplinary teams and experience working with senior management and technical teams, independent accountability mechanisms and Board level committees.
  • Deep understanding of environmental and social and transparency risk management issues related to sustainable finance and/or operations of multilateral financial institutions.
  • Knowledge and/or experience in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
  • Detailed knowledge of international environmental and social lender standards and significant experience applying them to development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Proven management record in similar positions, including supervision of technically strong multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Strong communication skills and track record engaging with a variety of stakeholders.

    Language

    Proficiency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, is required. Knowledge of Portuguese and/ or French is a plus.

    Please note that for this position, the final candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check to the satisfaction of the IDB Group, as a pre-employment condition, which will be conducted by third-parties.

    Requirements

    • Citizenship: No requirements.

    • Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.

    Type of contract and duration

    • Staff: International staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.

    What we offer

    The IDB Group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee's life. These benefits include:

  • A competitive compensation package , including an annual base salary expressed on a net-of-tax basis.
  • Leaves and vacations : 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender-neutral parental leave.
  • Health Insurance : IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
  • Pension plan : Defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future.
  • We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
  • On-site position with the occasional flexibility of teleworking.
  • Health and well-being : Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for employees.
  • Development support : We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others.
  • Other office amenities (as available): Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, spouse career support, and others.

    Our culture

    At the IDB Group , we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work while finding their purpose. Our people consistently strive for excellence, and we recognize and celebrate the impact of their contributions.

    In our efforts to drive innovation, we intentionally include all voices, cultivate a sense of belonging and champion fairness. We welcome individuals from underrepresented groups to join us and share their unique perspectives.

    We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at View email address on us.fitly.work .

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