Country Representative

Inter-American Development Bank

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 competitive process

We are looking for experienced and knowledgeable professionals who will help us change people's lives in Latin America and the Caribbean by leading one of our Country Offices.    

What you'll do

- Represent the IDB Group and act as the main link between the IDB Group and the Government, private sector, civil society, international cooperation, and relevant actors in the country, proactively seeking opportunities to contribute to the development of the country.
- Lead the programmatic dialogue, the development of the Country Strategy and programming, ensuring alignment with the Institutional Strategy, and the objectives of the IDB Group, ensuring compliance with the principles of strategic selectivity and development impact.
- Lead IDB Invest and IDB Lab on possible business opportunities that promote the achievement of their objectives, in accordance with their business plans and other corporate mandates.
- Ensure the alignment of operations, both public and private, with the country's priorities.
- Plan and align the human and financial resources of the Country Office to implement the IDB Group program in the country, in accordance with the Bank's policies and processes.
- Lead, manage, advise, and evaluate Country Office staff, on a matrix basis where appropriate, to optimize the performance of the Group's response to clients and partners.
- Ensure that work practices and conduct at the Country Office are consistent with IDB Group policies related to ethics and respect in the workplace.
- Develop a communication strategy for the country office that promotes the dissemination of knowledge, information, and intelligence among all relevant actors, internal and external.

Technical Competencies

- Institutional representation: Represents the IDB Group in the country, promoting its mission and policies to government officials, the private sector, civil society, and the media.
- Strategic Planning: Applies understanding of the IDB Group's mission and implements the institutional strategy, in accordance with the IDB Group's business model, instruments and knowledge and with the country's development objectives; and proposes comprehensive solutions that have an impact to address the country's challenges.
- Public-private synergies: Identifies and promotes public-private synergies to ensure compliance with the objectives of the IDB Group's institutional strategy.
- Program and Project Management: Supervises the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs and projects financed by the IDB Group in the country, ensuring that they achieve the expected impact.
- Private Sector Financing/Co-financing: Understands the financial and contractual details of private sector projects, including risk implications; the country's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, and alignment with the IDB Group's interests.
- Customer Relationship Management and Networking: Develops and maintains relationships with different levels of government, the private sector, local partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. Collaborates with these entities to promote the alignment of the IDB Group's institutional strategy with the country's development objectives. Maintains and expands these networks, both public and private, that add value to the IDB Group.
- Resource Mobilization: Promotes and manages the mobilization of resources from the private sector and other development partners for the financing and co-financing of IDB Group projects and programs in the country.
- Knowledge to Formulate and Implement the Country Strategy: Leverages the knowledge of the country's economic, political, and social environment, as well as the regulatory framework, to better serve the assigned country, jointly using the IDB Group's strategy and instruments, in accordance with its policies and procedures.  Coordinates the preparation of the country strategy based on the Group's matrix inputs and dialogue with the country authorities.
- Dialogue and Programming: Leads policy dialogue, coordinates IDB Group programming with in-country counterparts, and monitors and advises, as appropriate, on the implementation of projects and initiatives.

Technical Competencies (cont.)

- Institutional, Operational and Risk Management Knowledge of the IDB Group: Interprets and applies policies and operational frameworks in a manner appropriate to the client's needs and in accordance with the IDB Group's guidelines. Identifies and manages risks, both internal and external, to operate in the country, including integrity analysis of private sector clients.  Guarantees the security of the Bank's staff and assets in the country.
- Reporting and Accountability: Keeps IDB Group Senior Management informed about the progress of programs and projects, financial status, and compliance with regulations and policies.
- Team Leadership: Leads, develops, and effectively manages a diverse team of professionals to support policy dialogue, technical assistance, and management of the IDB Group's operations in the country. Encourages hybrid work models and a collaborative, productive work environment.
- Resource Planning and Management: Plans and manages financial and human resources to meet the current and future business needs of the organizational unit.
- Political and Interpersonal Skills: Understands governmental and international structures, processes, and positions and how they affect the interests of the public and private sectors; operates with an attentive and considerate personal style that appreciates group and interpersonal dynamics; Is careful with the dissemination of information.
- Promote Workplace, Culture, and Values: Fosters a culture of inclusion and equity where diverse perspectives are shared, heard, and considered in decision-making. Ensures that the IDB Group operates in compliance with institutional and local laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

What you'll need

Education: Master's degree in Public Policy, Business, Economics, Law, or any discipline relevant for the position. Outstanding professional background and strong technical competencies.

Experience:  At least 15 years of relevant experience.

- Strong leadership skills, proven ability to build and motivate high performing teams.
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to quickly establish and maintain trust and credibility with all stakeholders, as well as navigate complex scenarios.
- Strong business acumen and clear understanding of Bank culture and/or other similar multilateral development organization or development financial institution.
- A track record of being a collaborative team player who can work across the organization to support the goals of the business.
- Strong ability to develop, preserve and strengthen strategic relationships while managing and/or negotiating solutions to sensitive situations.
- Experience in distinct functional areas of the IDB Group is a plus. (For internal candidates).
- At least three years of experience in a comparable position with another multilateral development organization or development financial institution. (For external candidates).
Languages: Excellent communication skills. Proficiency in English and Spanish, oral and written required.

Other: Willingness to travel, ability to work in a multicultural environment, outstanding interpersonal skills. 

Key skills

Create Partnerships

Build Lean and Versatile Teams

Lead Change and Transformation

Coach and Develop

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 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.

-Hybrid and flexible work schedules.

-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 perks (country specific): Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, and others.

Our culture

At the IDB, 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 accommodations@iadb.org.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

- Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
- For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.
"Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting."

Sector: Servicios sociales y por la comunidad/Sin fines de lucro

Función: Otros

Porcentaje del trabajo: 80-100% / 100%

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