Water and Sanitation (Senior) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The IDB Group is a community dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established with a mission to foster sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens in the region, the organization comprises a diverse team of passionate individuals. The IDB Group operates in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on various sectors including infrastructure, energy, and social development. The organization emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and agility in its work environment, aiming to create a rewarding experience for its employees.

Job Overview:
As a Water and Sanitation (Senior) Specialist, you will play a crucial role in the design and implementation of new operations, including loans and technical assistance programs, while managing the Division’s portfolio and related activities in Trinidad and Tobago and other English-speaking Caribbean countries. Your responsibilities will encompass various areas such as water resources, potable water supply, sanitation and wastewater collection and treatment, urban drainage, and solid waste management. You will be part of the Water and Sanitation Division (WSA) within the Infrastructure and Energy (INE) Department, which is tasked with ensuring universal and sustainable access to high-quality water, sanitation, and solid waste management services. This role requires collaboration with country departments to design and implement financial and non-financial programs and projects, as well as evaluating the development results of such interventions. You will also be responsible for quality enhancement functions for social development projects, guiding and preparing Bank products, and analyzing and mitigating risks associated with these projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will include leading and providing input into the Bank sector dialogue with government authorities, borrowing agencies, other lending entities, and non-governmental organizations. You will lead and participate in the identification, preparation, and assessment of requests for project financing, including technical assistance requests, in accordance with Bank policies. Additionally, you will oversee the execution and supervision of projects, managing risks associated with the portfolio. You will contribute to the development of studies and strategies in the water and sanitation sector, working with multidisciplinary teams to create innovative proposals that address the needs of government agencies and the private sector. Providing technical guidance to borrowers and country offices will also be part of your responsibilities, along with collaborating with other sectors and departments to monitor and implement programs and projects. You will lead project teams in ensuring quality control of documents related to loan proposals and technical assistance operations, disseminate research and knowledge development activities, and mentor junior staff to enhance their technical expertise.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Master’s degree in engineering, environmental or social sciences, administration, financing, economics, or other related fields relevant to the role. A PhD would be considered an advantage. You should have a minimum of 4 years of proven relevant experience, with 10+ years preferred, in areas such as drinking water supply, sanitation, sewage treatment, management of water resources, urban storm drainage systems, and municipal solid waste management. Experience in at least one Caribbean country is ideal, and familiarity with working at a multilateral or bilateral development institution, public sector entity, consulting firm, private sector group, or NGO is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental or social sciences, administration, financing, or economics. A PhD is considered a plus, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the relevant areas.

Experience:
A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required, with a preference for candidates who have 10 or more years of experience. This experience should be in the fields of drinking water supply, sanitation, sewage treatment, management of water resources, urban storm drainage systems, and municipal solid waste management. Experience in at least one Caribbean country is highly desirable, as is experience working in a multilateral or bilateral development institution, public sector entity, consulting firm, private sector group, or NGO.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in one of the other official languages of the Bank, which include Spanish, French, or Portuguese. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as an international staff contract for an initial duration of 36 months, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement. The IDB Group provides a competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary on a net-of-tax basis, along with various benefits such as 24 days of paid time off, 8 personal days, sick leave, and gender-neutral parental leave. Health insurance is provided, covering medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs. The organization also offers a defined benefit pension plan, relocation assistance, hybrid and flexible work schedules, and access to health services. Additional perks may include lactation rooms, daycare centers, gym facilities, bike racks, parking, and spouse career support. The IDB Group is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.