Water and Sanitation (Senior) Specialist

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 looking for a motivated Water and Sanitation professional. As Water and Sanitation (Senior) Specialist, you will be in charge of the design and implementation of new operations—including loans and technical assistance programs—as well as manage the Division’s portfolio and related activities in Trinidad and Tobago and other English-speaking Caribbean countries in the following areas: water resources, potable water supply, sanitation and wastewater collection and treatment, urban drainage, and solid waste management.

You will work in the Water and Sanitation Division (WSA) of the Infrastructure and Energy (INE) Department. This team is responsible for conceptualizing, preparing, supporting the execution, and supervising the IDB’s operations related to water and sanitation. We seek to ensure universal and sustainable access to high-quality water, sanitation, and solid waste management services to contribute to the sustainable economic growth of our member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and a better quality of life for their citizens. WSA works with the country departments to design and implement country and regional financial and non-financial programs and projects and evaluates the development results of such interventions. It also performs quality enhancement functions for social development projects and programs, including guiding, designing, and preparing Bank products, execution, and analysis and mitigation of risks.

What you’ll do

• Lead/provide input into the Bank sector dialogue with government authorities, borrowing agencies, other lending entities and non-governmental agencies.
• Lead/participate in the identification, preparation and assessment of requests for project financing, with and without sovereign guarantee, including requests for technical assistance, in accordance with the Bank policies, and considering conditions of the country, institutional capacities, and financing mechanisms available.
• Lead/participate in the execution and supervision of projects and activities carried out by the Bank, including comprehensive management of risks of projects in the portfolio.
• Lead/contribute to the identification, preparation and development of studies and strategies, including policy and regulatory matters, in the water and sanitation sector.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams in charge of the conceptual design and development of technically, institutionally and financially innovative proposals to attend needs of national, regional and local government agencies, as well as those of the private sector.
• Provide technical guidance to borrowers, country offices, governments and non-governmental agencies in fields of expertise and others related to Bank activities. - Work with other sectors and departments of the Bank to design, implement and monitor country and regional financial and non-financial programs and projects.
• Lead/advise project teams in monitoring quality control of documents related to preparation of loan proposals, technical assistance operations and other activities.
• Lead/execute the dissemination of research, analysis and knowledge development activities.
• Work independently with limited oversight. - Guide, coach and mentor junior staff to develop technical expertise.

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree (PhD would be a plus) in engineering, environment or social sciences, administration, financing, economics, or other related fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

• Experience: At minimum of 4 years of proven relevant experience (10+ years preferred) working in 1) the drinking water supply, sanitation and sewage treatment areas; 2) management of water resources; 3) urban storm drainage systems; and/or 4) municipal solid waste management. Ideal candidate has work experience in at least one Caribbean country. Experience working at a multilateral or bilateral development institution, public sector entity, consulting firm, private sector group or an NGO a plus.  

• Languages: Proficiency in English and one of the other Bank official languages (Spanish, French or Portuguese) is required.

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 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 support, 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