Environmental and Social Director

Environmental and Social Director

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

September 18, 2026October 21, 2026Washington DcUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
IDB Invest is the private sector arm of the IDB Group, dedicated to supporting sustainable development in 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 committed to enhancing the development impact of its investments, supported by a substantial capitalization of $3.5 billion from its shareholders, which enables it to originate high-quality assets and innovative financial solutions.

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Director position within the Risk Management Department of IDB Invest is a leadership role focused on managing environmental and social risks associated with IDB Invest-financed projects. The director will lead a team responsible for identifying and managing these risks, overseeing grievance management, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring transparency and access to information. This role is crucial for integrating environmental and social considerations into the investment process and enhancing the sustainability of projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. The director will report to the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Managing Director and will be instrumental in developing partnerships with stakeholders to promote environmental and social sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental and Social Director will have a wide range of responsibilities, including conducting sector-specific portfolio analyses to identify risks and trends, managing a team of social performance specialists, and providing guidance on environmental and social strategies. The director will lead the execution of environmental and social risk assessments, manage the Management-Led Grievance Mechanism, and coordinate responses to compliance reviews. Additionally, the director will engage with stakeholders, develop partnerships, and implement capacity-building programs on environmental and social risk management. The role also involves maintaining an integrated perspective on environmental and social risks through data analytics and generating lessons learned from various evaluations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent advanced degree in relevant fields such as law, anthropology, sociology, environmental management, or environmental engineering. A strong background in managing environmental and social risks, particularly in the context of sustainable finance and stakeholder engagement, is essential. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressive experience, with a preference for 12-15 years, including leadership roles in international financial institutions. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, grievance management, and knowledge of international environmental and social standards is highly valued.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent advanced degree in fields relevant to environmental and social risk management is required. This includes disciplines such as law, anthropology, sociology, environmental management, or environmental engineering, particularly those that address environmental and social impacts and sustainable finance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with a preference for candidates who have 12-15 years of experience in managing environmental and social safeguard services. Experience in leadership roles within international financial institutions is highly desirable, along with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and transparency initiatives. Candidates should also have experience in various aspects of environmental and social risk management, including labor conditions, community health and safety, and cultural heritage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese and/or French is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across Latin America and the Caribbean.

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 a comprehensive benefits program that covers health insurance, paid time off, and a defined benefit pension plan. Employees also have access to various professional development opportunities, health services, and workplace amenities. The organization values diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the hiring process.
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