Environmental and Social Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
IDB Invest is the private sector arm of the IDB Group, an international financial institution dedicated to addressing the development needs of Latin America and the Caribbean. Established to support sustainable enterprises and projects, IDB Invest aims to deliver financial results while maximizing social and environmental impact in the region. The organization operates in 26 countries, structured across four geographic regions and three industry verticals: Infrastructure and Energy, Financial Intermediaries, and Corporates. Recently, IDB Invest's shareholders approved a significant capitalization of $3.5 billion, which will enable the organization to scale up its investments to approximately $19 billion, thereby unlocking greater private sector participation to drive development and climate impact across the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Environmental and Social Consultant is designed for a motivated professional with expertise in environmental and social risk assessment and management. The consultant will join a team that provides technical support to ensure that IDB Invest-financed operations are environmentally and socially sustainable. The role requires aligning projects with IDB Invest’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy (ESSP) and involves addressing social issues such as resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, contextual risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The consultant will work within the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Division (SEG), which is responsible for ensuring that projects financed by IDB Invest meet environmental and social sustainability standards. The consultant will be expected to provide technical input on social and environmental aspects during project due diligence and supervision, contributing to the overall mission of promoting sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental and Social Consultant will have a variety of responsibilities, including supporting the origination, execution, and monitoring of investment projects while integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Key duties include conducting environmental and social due diligence and risk assessments for investment operations, contributing to the design and implementation of mitigation measures and action plans, and supporting clients in meeting environmental and social requirements. The consultant will also monitor compliance with environmental and social standards and commitments, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance sustainable development objectives, and support stakeholder engagement and consultation processes. This role is critical in ensuring that IDB Invest's projects align with sustainability goals and effectively address potential risks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering, environmental management, law, environmental sciences, anthropology, or a relevant field. Additionally, 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 educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental management, law, environmental sciences, or anthropology. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental and social governance and for effectively contributing to the sustainability objectives of IDB Invest.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, specifically in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates should have a strong focus on environmental and social impact assessments, implementation of management plans, cumulative impact analysis, and environmental monitoring of development projects. Proven experience in conducting due diligence, negotiation, and supervision of environmental and social aspects is also necessary, along with familiarity with the IFC Performance Standards and related processes.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is for a national consultant and is offered as a full-time role with a contract duration of 36 months, which may be extended up to 48 months if applicable. Candidates must be eligible to work in Chile without the need for sponsorship and should not have any family members working at IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouses. The IDB Group offers a competitive compensation package, health insurance allowances, a savings plan, and various benefits that cater to the different needs of employees. The role is primarily on-site, with occasional flexibility for teleworking. The organization emphasizes professional development opportunities and provides access to health services for employees.