Climate Resilience and Sustainability Senior Specialist

About this position

The IDB is looking for an experienced professional that will help drive the IDB Group climate resilience and sustainability agenda. This includes supporting IDB Group’s strategic commitments to sustainable development and helping countries succeed in their national development plans. The selected person will work closely with country offices to develop and deliver resilient development and long-term sustainable economic growth, safeguard jobs and productivity, and conserve biodiversity.

You will work in the the Climate Change Solutions (CCS) Division. CCS is responsible for advising the IDB management and developing policies, strategies, operational guidelines, and programs relevant to the sector, as well as related areas. Additionally, the team conducts sectoral research, analytical work, sectoral best practices, and case studies on resilient development and sustainability. The division provides support in: (i) Mainstreaming resilient development into IDB Group operations and activities and (ii) Integrating sustainability considerations into regional IDB Group countries by supporting environment, planning, and finance ministries across the region.

As a Climate Resilience and Sustainability Senior Specialist, you will play a pivotal technical and strategic role in advancing the Bank’s climate and sustainability agenda in Jamaica. You will support the integration of climate adaptation, long-term resilience, and sustainability considerations into country strategies, programs, and operations, while working closely with government counterparts, IDB teams, and regional stakeholders to address climate-related vulnerabilities and risks and promote climate-resilient development.

What you’ll do

• Lead high-level technical and strategic leadership on climate resiliance and sustainability initiatives in Jamaica, supporting the integration of climate adaptation and long-term resilience considerations into country strategies and operations.
• Originate, structure, and support the design, implementation, and monitoring of climate-related operations, including investment loans, guarantees, technical cooperations, and the suite of financial products offered by the IDB.
• Assess climate-related vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities affecting Jamaica and the Caribbean region and provide technical guidance to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development outcomes.
• Manage and support a portfolio of climate-related projects and programs, ensuring their effective implementation and delivery of results.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across CCS, including climate finance tracking, knowledge, financial innovation, the Platform of Ministries of Finance, and concessional finance operations.
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with other units within the Climate and Sustainable Development Sector, including Biodiversity and Natural Capital and Disaster Risk Management, as well as other Bank sectors and divisions.
• Provide technical and operational support across sectors, thematic areas, and IDB Group programs to support the Country Office of Jamaica on sustainability-related matters.
• Collaborate with climate resiliance specialists and consultants across Caribbean Country Offices, including Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, to support regional programs, initiatives, and knowledge sharing.
• Foster cross-sectoral partnerships, strengthen institutional capacity, and engage with government counterparts, development partners, and external stakeholders to advance Jamaica’s climate and sustainability objectives.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of innovative and climate-resilient solutions that respond to Jamaica’s most pressing climate challenges.
• Work within a matrix structure under the supervision of the CCS Division Chief and the Country Representative of Jamaica, in close coordination with the Chief of Operations in Jamaica.

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree in environmental sciences, climate resilience, or a related discipline.
• Experience:  A least five (5) years of experience (8 preferred) in project development and management; knowledge of the climate sector and sustainability issues, with a focus on adaptation related and long-term resilience, particularly related to the risks and vulnerabilities faced by countries in the Caribbean region. In depth knowledge of climate issues, climate policy and institutions, climate risk, climate finance, climate adaptation and resilience, climate economic risk, climate mitigation, climate finance tracking and GHG emissions measurement. Excellent communication, negotiation and team working skills. Experience in the negotiation of high-complex projects with project teams and clients.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable. 

Requirements

• 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.
• 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. 
• 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.