Job Description
Environmental Sector Specialist
City:  Washington DC
Company:  IDB
Posting End Date:  2/17/2026 11:59 PM EST

We improve lives

The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment.

About this position

The IDB's Environmental and Social Solutions Division (VPS/ESG) is responsible for ensuring the environmental and social (E&S) sustainability of IDB-financed projects and other activities, as well as their compliance with the Bank's Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF) and its previous environmental and social policies. VPS/ESG specialists provide the Bank and its borrowers with advice on environmental and social safeguards and participate in project teams, providing technical input on social and environmental issues during project preparation, due diligence, and supervision. We are seeking an exceptionally skilled and motivated professional to join our team as an Environmental Specialist at the Bank. In this role, you will play a key part to contribute with a significant impact on advancing the Bank's strategic social and environmental priorities across the countries the IADB operates, and you will help to ensure the sustainability of IDB-financed projects and activities. As part of our diverse and versatile community, you will work in an inclusive, collaborative, and agile environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

What you’ll do

 

The position reports to the ESG Group Head at Headquarters and provides environmental and social (E&S) technical support for the preparation and supervision of public sector operations; and:

  • Supports the preparation of high-risk public sector projects (Category A, B, and FI with substantial E&S risks) across IDB borrowing countries, including participation in identification, analysis, and orientation missions, and provision of continuous advisory support in line with IDB policies.
  • Supports the supervision and execution of public sector projects in sectors with significant E&S risks—such as transport, energy, housing and urban development, and water and sanitation—ensuring implementation of mitigation measures and compliance with IDB E&S policies through supervision missions and reporting.
  • Updates Environmental and Social Risk Ratings throughout the project lifecycle based on supervision findings.
  • Conducts environmental due diligence, including assessment of community and occupational health and safety, pollution prevention, stakeholder engagement, and grievance mechanisms.
  • Reviews and contributes to terms of reference and draft and final Environmental and Social instruments, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMSs), as required by Bank policies.
  • Participates in meetings with Executing Agencies and project teams, providing technical advice on the application of IDB environmental and social policy requirements during project preparation and supervision.
  • Provides and participates in training activities on the IDB Environmental and Social Performance Standards for executing agencies, internal clients, and other stakeholders.
  • Serves as a technical resource for relevant Environmental and Social Policy Standards (ESPSs) and IDB operational sectors.

What you'll need

Education: Master's degree or equivalent in environmental sciences or a related field.

Experience: At least 4 years (preferably 7) of relevant professional experience in the supervision, preparation, or implementation of environmental and social policies and mitigation plans. Also, proven experience in a similar role at a multilateral organization ideally working on projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, as well as Portugues is a plus.

Requirements

 •    Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48-member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents

 •    Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.
 

Type of contract and duration

•    Staff:
    -    International: International staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.
   

 

What we offer

The IDB group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee's life. These benefits include:
 

  • A competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary expressed on a net-of-tax basis.
  • Leaves and vacations: 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender-neutral parental leave.
  • Health Insurance: IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
  • Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future.
  • We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
  • Hybrid and flexible work schedules.
  • Health and well-being: Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for employees.
  • Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others.
  • Other perks (country specific): Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, spouse career support, and others.

Our culture

At the IDB, we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work while finding their purpose. Our people consistently strive for excellence, and we recognize and celebrate the impact of their contributions.

In our efforts to drive innovation, we intentionally include all voices, cultivate a sense of belonging and champion fairness. We welcome individuals from underrepresented groups to join us and share their unique perspectives.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at accommodations@iadb.org.