Environmental & Social Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
IDB Invest is the private sector arm of the IDB Group, dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of Latin America and the Caribbean through private sector initiatives. Established to finance, structure, and mobilize capital for projects that foster economic growth and resilience, IDB Invest operates in 26 countries across four geographic regions and three industry verticals: Infrastructure and Energy, Financial Institutions, and Corporates. The organization is backed by a substantial capitalization of $3.5 billion from its shareholders, which enhances its capacity to mobilize private capital and scale development impact in the region. IDB Invest's evolving business model, termed 'Originate to Share,' aims to strengthen its ability to originate high-quality assets and connect global capital with opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Job Overview:
The Environmental & Social Senior Officer position at IDB Invest is designed for a highly motivated professional with expertise in environmental and social risk assessment and management. The role involves providing technical support to ensure that IDB Invest-financed operations are environmentally and socially sustainable. The officer will align projects with IDB Invest’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy (ESSP) and will need to have experience with various environmental issues, including biodiversity and sustainable supply chains, as well as social issues such as resettlement and stakeholder engagement. The position is situated within the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Division (SEG), which is responsible for ensuring that projects financed by IDB Invest adhere to environmental and social sustainability standards. The officer will play a crucial role in guiding IDB Invest and its clients on environmental and social issues, participating in project teams, and delivering technical input during project due diligence and supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental & Social Senior Officer will support the origination, appraisal, execution, and monitoring of investment operations throughout the project lifecycle. Key responsibilities include leading environmental and social (E&S) due diligence processes for investment proposals, assessing potential impacts and risks, and evaluating their significance and manageability. The officer will provide technical guidance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters throughout project design, structuring, and implementation. Additionally, the officer will work to strengthen clients’ understanding and capacity to manage environmental and social risks effectively, supporting the development and implementation of robust management systems and action plans. Collaboration with multidisciplinary internal teams and external stakeholders will be essential to identify and mobilize technical and financial resources that enhance the sustainability performance of operations. The officer will also design and deliver ESG-related capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-sharing activities, promoting the adoption of leading industry practices and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in fields such as engineering, environmental management, law, environmental sciences, anthropology, or a relevant discipline. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is required, with a focus on environmental and social impact assessments, implementation of management plans, cumulative impact analysis, and environmental monitoring of development projects. A proven track record in conducting due diligence, negotiation, and supervision of environmental and social aspects is essential. Experience applying the IFC Performance Standards is highly desirable, along with expertise in resettlement processes, Indigenous Peoples, contextual risk analysis, stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and labor and working conditions.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree or an equivalent advanced degree in relevant fields such as engineering, environmental management, law, environmental sciences, anthropology, or similar areas of study. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental and social governance and for effectively managing the associated risks in development projects.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. This experience should focus on environmental and social impact assessments, the implementation of management plans, cumulative impact analysis, and environmental monitoring of development projects. A strong background in conducting due diligence and supervising environmental and social aspects of projects is necessary, along with experience in negotiation and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Spanish and English, spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese or French is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and clients across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national staff contract for an initial duration of 36 months, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement. Candidates must be eligible to work in Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador, Guatemala, Bolivia, or the Dominican Republic without the need for sponsorship. The IDB Group offers a competitive compensation package, including 24 days of paid time off, 8 personal days, sick leave, and gender-neutral parental leave. Health insurance benefits cover medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs. Additionally, the organization provides a defined benefit pension plan for financial security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and supports employees in planning for their future. The position is primarily on-site, with occasional flexibility for teleworking. IDB Invest is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming individuals from underrepresented groups and ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application process.