Environmental and Social Solutions Unit Chief, Washington, DC
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, and rewarding environment.
About this position:
We are looking for a senior leader to coordinate and develop a team of highly qualified professionals, whose work has a direct impact on the lives of millions of people in Latin American and the Caribbean.
The Environmental and Social Solutions Unit (ESG) is responsible for the assessment and management of Environmental and Social (E&S) impacts and risks, and the application of IDB E&S policies in Bank operations. ESG also develops and disseminates knowledge to enhance the management of impacts and risks in such a way as to benefit clients and partners and to champion sustainable development in the region.
What you'll do:
You will coordinate with the Vice Presidency for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS) and its Sector Departments, the Vice Presidency for Countries (VPC) and its Country Departments, the Office of Risk Management (RMG) and other areas of the IDB, as needed, to:
Provide thought leadership and vision on the Unit's business orientation, leading the development and implementation of its strategy and annual business plan. Ensure that the Unit provides timely, technically-sound, and risk-based operational advice to the Bank's project teams and clients, in all phases of the project cycle, so that the IDB E&S policies are followed. During project preparation, supervise the due diligence and analysis of environmental and social impacts and risks of IDB financed operations, as well as the design of risk management plans and the inclusion of effective and feasible measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts of operations. During project execution, oversee the supervision, monitoring, and reporting of implementation of environmental and social risk management measures, at project and portfolio levels, reporting on compliance outcomes and trends. Provide strategic leadership to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguard management processes, systems, tools, metrics, indicators of success, as well as plans, guidance notes, and training material. Coordinate with and advise Sector Departments and Country Offices on the analysis and response to complaints filed under the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM) and the IDB Grievance Redress Mechanism, as well as the preparation and implementation of related action plans and reports. Work to ensure we follow the most sophisticated international standard methodologies. Develop and implement knowledge transfer programs on environmental and social risk management for IDB employees and executing agencies. Provide technical inputs and support the development of the IDB Country Strategies, as needed. Ensure proper coordination between functional areas within VPS, the IDB, and the IDB Invest and leverage opportunities for synergies. Advise on the application of environmental and social policies and related guidance and procedures. Promote partnerships and collaboration on topics associated to the application of the environmental and social policies. Lead highly skilled interdisciplinary and multi-cultural professionals to implement environmental and social policies and practices to strengthen the ability to effectively meet business needs. Lead and mentor your team, taking human resources and budget decisions for the Unit.What you'll need:
10 years of experience in:
Validated management record in similar positions, including supervision of technically strong multi-disciplinary teams (preferably in a matrix structure) and have a proven track record in implementing and executing a sophisticated and diverse array of environmental and social risk management services. Strong understanding of client needs and challenges, of different country/regional areas, market idiosyncrasies, and drivers of change in LAC, and how to optimally achieve our objectives. Good understanding of the operational framework of public sector and/or multilateral institutions (including their special governance, mandates, safeguards, and human resources structures). Excellent communication skills that allow you to establish and maintain trust and credibility with institutional partners, at all levels across the IDB Group, including Management, the Board of Executive Directors, various institutional committees, and particularly with clients. Ability to generate networks is essential. Solid change management experience in complex organizations is a plus. Have critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, and effective monitoring of metrics and results. Can attract, select, and empower versatile and diverse staff; an outstanding, effective people manager who models inclusive behaviors and promotes diversity and inclusion.Languages: proficient in English and Spanish; knowledge of Portuguese and/or French is a plus.
Key Skills:
Mentor and develop. Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Build Lean and Versatile teams. Lead change and Transformation. Create Partnerships.Requirements:
Citizenship: citizen of one of our 48-member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents. Consanguinity: have no family members (up to 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 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 employeeโs life. These benefits include:
A competitive compensation package. 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 which 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.