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

We are looking for an analytical, strategic and collaborative Head of the Regional and Sectoral Data Group to work at the Research Department.

The Regional and Sectoral Data Group (RSD) coordinates and supports the efficient management and governance of regional and sectoral data generated or obtained through research, knowledge, and operational work that is not produced in the Bank’s systems nor owned by the Bank but falls under the responsibility and/or custody of the IDB. This includes both traditional (censuses, surveys, administrative records) and non-traditional (social networks, digital footprints, satellite imagery, etc.) data sources extensively used across various departments, including VPS, VPC, and SPD.

The Head of the RSD will establish and manage the governance of research and knowledge data acquired by the IDB. This role aligns with the Data Governance Framework and supports IDB’s Data and Analytics Strategy, ensuring effective utilization of both traditional and non-traditional data sources, created outside of the Bank’s systems. The Head of the RSD will foster cross-departmental collaboration to enhance data-driven decision-making. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to ensure data integrity, quality, security, and accessibility, aligning data practices with the organization's objectives and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Head of the RSD will identify niche areas for collaboration with external sources to develop innovative data products that provide value to our regional clients. This position reports to the Research Department (RES) Deputy Chief Economist and operates under the advice of the Knowledge Advisory Committee (KAC).

What you’ll do

• Design and coordinate the deployment of governance rules and guidelines for regional and sectoral data that align with the institution's strategic objectives, defining clear data ownership, stewardship, and accountability.
• Align data initiatives with the business’s strategic goals, identifying opportunities to leverage data for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the management and systematic storage of regional and sectoral data from diverse sources, enhancing research accessibility while ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality and privacy requirements. 
• Work closely with various departments to understand data needs, promote data governance best practices, and facilitate effective data utilization, such as developing data intelligence reports and visual products, supporting advanced analytics by integrating diverse datasets, and enabling teams to adopt cutting-edge analytical tools and methods.
• Work closely with other components of the Data Governance Structure (DGS), to ensure a cohesive and efficient governance framework.
• Lead and mentor a team of data professionals, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve data governance and strategic objectives that align with business needs.
• Collaborate with the Technology and Transformation (TTD) department to ensure the necessary technical infrastructure is in place to meet business needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison with data providers, managing relationships for both standard and non-traditional, multi-purpose data from public sources.
• Coordinate the institution's work with data partnerships, fostering collaboration and shared initiatives.

What you'll need

•    Education: Master’s degree in Data Management, Information Technology, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.

•    Experience: At least 10 years of experience in data management, data governance, or related roles within complex organizations, demonstrating advanced expertise in data management principles, practices, technologies, and industry standards.

•    Languages:  Proficiency in English and one of the other Bank official languages (Spanish, French or Portuguese) is required.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of data architecture principles and practices.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop innovative data products in collaboration with external partners.
• Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for data management that aligns with the organization's long-term goals, ensuring data initiatives support overall business strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive cultural shifts towards data-centric decision-making, fostering an environment where data and its governance are integral to all business processes.
• Commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in data management, fostering a culture of innovation, and continuously seeking opportunities to enhance data processes and practices.
• Proven expertise in acquiring, managing, and integrating diverse data sources, including public datasets, into analytical frameworks for comprehensive analysis.

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

•    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: the IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program which covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
• Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and supports 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 wellbeing:  Access to our Health Services Center which 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: Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, 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.