Lead Officer - Infrastructure & Energy - Central America & Caribbean

About this position

The Infrastructure and Energy Division (IEN), part of the Industries and Cross-Cutting Themes Department (ICT), leads the development and delivery of operations in transport, water and sanitation, energy, and social infrastructure across all regions.

The Caribbean Countries Division (RCB), part of the Regions Department, is responsible for managing business and client engagement from a country perspective within its member countries. It also provides oversight to the Country Representatives of the IDB’s Vice Presidency for Countries and to the Directors of Delivery Units at IDB Invest.

The Delivery Units are responsible for: (i) establishing and maintaining client relationships, (ii) building pipeline through upstream project and sector development, (iii) transaction execution through the incorporation of multiple financial products including loans, guarantees, debt capital markets, equity and quasi-equity instruments, as well as resource mobilization and technical cooperation and (iv) acting as the center of institutional knowledge and expertise for the sectors covered by the Division. This integrated model enables Delivery Units to align business development with strategic priorities, enhance regional coordination, and ensure operational effectiveness across IDB Invest.

You will report to the Director of the Delivery Unit that has a dual-reporting structure to both the Managing Director of the Infrastructure & Energy Division (IEN) and the Caribbean Countries Division (RCB).

What you’ll do

You will maintain responsibility for origination and customer relationships in the assigned countries and lead the structuring, negotiation, approval, and closing of infrastructure projects in the sectors covered by the Infrastructure and Energy Division. You will lead the outreach and be asked to assist in the origination and structuring efforts of infrastructure projects in these countries. 

Business Development & Client Acquisition:

• identify and target new business opportunities by proactively researching potential clients in need of support from IDB Invest,
• lead the preparation and delivery of client pitches, offering tailored financial solutions to meet their specific business needs,
• leverage existing networks to bring in new clients while maintaining and growing relationships with existing clients. 

Deal Origination and Execution:

• lead the identification and evaluation of potential lending, investment, or advisory opportunities,
• lead the due diligence process, conducting thorough research and analysis to assess the feasibility and risks associated with transactions,
• contribute to the preparation and review of transaction documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with IDB Invest standards.

Upstream and Project Preparation:

• lead efforts for the identification of projects that need further development before they become bankable,
• mobilize and lead the internal teams of IDB Invest to provide advisory services and other upstream efforts to prepare projects for financing including risk assessment and identification, capital structure and funding strategy, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies (including market analysis, financial modeling and analysis, environmental and social, etc.).

Team Leadership and Development:

• manage cross-functional teams (bankers, analysts, legal advisors) through all stages of transaction execution, ensuring efficient coordination and communication.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• work collaboratively with cross-functional teams across IDB Invest particularly on environmental, social and corporate governance safeguards, development effectiveness, legal, advisory, risk, and integrity functions to ensure the seamless execution of transactions,
• foster a team-oriented environment by actively contributing ideas, sharing expertise, and providing mentorship to junior team members
• collaborate with IDB experts to offer the best solutions to clients and in order to catalyze financing for the growing demand for infrastructure,
• support the Portfolio Management Division as needed on supervising the portfolio of Infrastructure & Energy projects. 

IDB Group Synergies:

• collaborate with both the public and private sectors to offer the best solutions to clients.

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, International Development and/or other relevant fields. Academic specialization in infrastructure development and/or transaction management is desirable.
• Experience: You have a minimum of six (6) years with experience in loan, equity origination, structuring complex structured finance (project finance) transactions with a validated track-record of working with a broad range of financial instruments and products (including equity and mezzanine). Confirmed experience in a similar role in a commercial or development bank or advisory firm, bank or infrastructure company would be desirable. Strong client relationship experience and skills are also highly valued.
• Languages: You are proficient in oral and written in Spanish and English; knowledge of French, is a plus.

Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be eligible to work in job location without the need for sponsorship.
• 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

• National staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.

What we offer

• 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 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.
• 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.