Operations - Principal Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group is a prominent organization dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established to foster economic development and social progress, the IDB Group operates in multiple countries across the region, employing a diverse workforce that is passionate about its mission. The organization emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration, creating a rewarding environment for its employees. The IDB Group is committed to enhancing its visibility and partnerships, particularly through its Miami office, which serves as a strategic hub for outreach and engagement with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Operations - Principal Specialist position is a dynamic and strategic role that involves leading the IDB Group's Miami office. As the head of this office, the specialist will be the primary focal point for the institution in the Southern region of the United States. This role encompasses managing the office, coordinating strategic outreach efforts, and building high-value relationships that align with the IDB Group's mission in Latin America and the Caribbean. The specialist will work within the External Affairs and Communications department, which is responsible for disseminating information and managing communications to enhance the IDB's brand and development opportunities in the region. The Miami office is crucial for strengthening institutional visibility and partnership-building across various sectors, including federal, state, local, and private stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations - Principal Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Leadership & Office Management: Overseeing local staff, consultants, and vendors, ensuring effective day-to-day operations of IDB Invest and/or IDB Lab staff. Designing and executing a Miami strategy that aligns with corporate priorities and regional needs. Managing office planning, budget formulation, performance monitoring, risk management, and reporting.
• External Engagement & Partnership Development: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, private-sector leaders, and civil society organizations. Positioning the IDB as a partner of choice for economic development and international engagement. Identifying collaboration opportunities between the IDB Group and companies investing in LAC.
• Representation & Strategic Communications: Representing the IDB Group at public events, conferences, and high-level meetings. Serving as the liaison to Latin American and Caribbean consulates in Miami. Leading strategic communications efforts tailored to local audiences and overseeing media engagement and public messaging.
• Stakeholder Outreach & Event Coordination: Planning and executing meetings, events, and roundtables to advance institutional objectives, while managing outreach logistics and stakeholder mapping.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Operations - Principal Specialist position must possess strong leadership, managerial, and representational skills. They should demonstrate the ability to cultivate high-level relationships across government, private sector, and civil society. Excellent communication and diplomatic skills are essential, with media engagement experience preferred. Knowledge of IDB Group operations and priorities is desirable, as is a strategic mindset for partnership development and outreach.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in public policy, international development, public relations, business administration, or other relevant fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to effectively manage the responsibilities associated with the role and to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressive experience, with a preference for 15 years, in government relations, public affairs, international development, or external engagement. This experience should demonstrate a track record of successful leadership and partnership development in relevant sectors.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Spanish and English, spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

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, generous leave policies, comprehensive health insurance, and a defined benefit pension plan. Additional benefits include professional development support, access to health services, and various perks tailored to the local context. Candidates must be citizens of one of the IDB's 48 member countries and will be required to pass a background check as a pre-employment condition.