Operations Principal Specialist - South Connection Regional Program Co-Coordinator

Operations Principal Specialist - South Connection Regional Program Co-Coordinator Job Description Operations Principal Specialist - South Connection Regional Program Co-Coordinator City: Washington DC Company: IDB Posting End Date: 7/9/2026 11:59 PM EST Location Post of duty: Washington, District of Columbia, USA. We improve lives The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment. About this position We are seeking a highly skilled professional with a strong understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean, regional integration, and development finance, as well as robust program management capabilities, to co‑lead and co‑coordinate the IDB Group’s South Connection Regional Program. This flagship regional program seeks to enhance connectivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across South America by advancing investments and policy reforms in transport, energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, trade facilitation, and regulatory convergence. You will work as a member of the Southern Cone Country Department (CSC), under the General Manager, and in close coordination with the Andean Country Department (CAN), within the Vice Presidency for Countries and Regional Integration (VPC), as well as with other relevant areas of the IDB Group, including IDB Invest and IDB Lab. What you’ll do Co‑Lead and co‑coordinate the implementation of the South Connection Regional Program, fostering collaboration across a multidisciplinary team within the IDB Group and with external stakeholders to advance regional integration in South America. Ensure alignment between the South Connection Regional Program, the IDB Group’s Institutional Strategy, country strategies, and other regional programs, including Amazonia Forever, One Caribbean, and América en el Centro. Develop and oversee the Program’s Action and Implementation Plans, including strategic priorities, milestones, risk mitigation measures, stakeholder engagement activities, and communications initiatives for CSC countries. Support CSC and CAN, in the preparation and execution of high‑level regional and national policy dialogues with governments, private sector representatives, development partners, academia, and civil society organizations. Collaborate with other VPC Regional Departments and other Regional Program Coordinators as appropriate. Advise Management on opportunities to expand and align sovereign and non‑sovereign operations, technical assistance, and knowledge products that contribute to the objectives of the South Connection Regional Program and the broader regional integration agenda. Promote coordination and generate knowledge across sectors and departments to ensure the integration of cross‑cutting priorities, including sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity, gender and inclusion, innovation, and institutional strengthening. Facilitate the identification, development, and monitoring of a regional pipeline of investment operations and technical cooperation projects related to transport connectivity, energy integration, digital infrastructure, logistics, trade facilitation, and productive integration. Build and maintain partnerships with multilateral and regional development institutions, while collaborating with the Global Partnerships Office (GPS) and other units on resource mobilization, donor engagement, and co‑financing opportunities. Co‑Lead stakeholder engagement efforts and promote knowledge generation, dissemination, and learning to support evidence‑based decision‑making and strengthen the regional integration agenda. Work independently with minimal oversight while managing complex, multi‑country initiatives involving diverse stakeholders and competing priorities. Contribute to the training and development of others and coach and mentor junior staff to build technical expertise in the implementation of the Program. What you'll need Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in public policy, economics, law, similar field in social sciences or humanities that is relevant to sustainable and inclusive development, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role. Experience: At least 7 years of progressive professional experience related to advancing sustainable and/or inclusive development in the region is needed. You must also have a deep understanding of the Latin American and Caribbean region, with proven experience in advancing a multi‑stakeholder and multi‑sector agenda of sustainable and inclusive development in South America. Additional experience in the following would be a plus: Proven track record conducting strategic‑level, multi‑country, technical dialogue with diverse groups (e.g. public sector, private sector, civil society, and/or traditional communities), including dialogue in matters related to the IDB Group’s work. A working understanding of multi‑lateral development banks, in addition to an understanding of the fundamental economic, socio‑cultural and environmental characteristics of the Southern Cone Region. Advanced diplomatic skills with a track record of strengthening impactful collaborations among diverse counterparts. Demonstrated experience with leading effective teams. Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, is required. Portuguese highly desired. Requirements Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48‑member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents. 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 International: 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: Competitive compensation package: a 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: the 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: a 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. 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