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 a proactive, results-oriented and innovative Principal Specialist to be the Technical Secretary of the Alliance for Security, Justice and Development in the Citizen Security Division (CIS). As the Technical Secretary, you will be responsible for the Alliance’s day-to-day management and coordination, its successful development, funding and the delivery of key outcomes of a robust 2025–2027 work plan, regional pilots, and increasing partner engagement.

The Alliance for Security, Justice and Development has the objective of developing regional, subregional and national actions and policies to address and provide coordinated and effective responses to organized crime.

You will work under the supervision of the Citizen Security Division (CIS) Chief, within the Institutions for Development Sector (IFD) of the Vice-Presidency for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS). The Citizen Security Division is responsible for conceptualizing, preparing, and supporting the execution and supervision of the IDB’s sector operations in the field of Citizen Security and Criminal Justice. The team is also responsible for developing sector strategies, policies, and guidelines, as well as generating knowledge and evidence to respond to and address crime and violence through a multifaceted approach, including responses to organized crime.  This includes areas such as: (i) preventive policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating drivers of violence; (ii) capacities of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, including specialized units to proactively detect, prevent, investigate, and prosecute complex crimes; (iii) access to criminal justice, as well as the management and administration of criminal justice services, to ensure timely and transparent case resolution; and (iv) the management of the penitentiary system and rehabilitation policies, including programs to reduce the influence of organized crime.

What you’ll do

• Advise and provide guidance on the strategic direction and positioning of the Alliance, including through high-level convenings, knowledge-sharing events, partner meetings, and flagship dialogues.
• Provide regular strategic and operational reports to the Division Chief. 
• Coordinate and provide strategic oversight and guidance for the planning and execution of different events such as The Alliance’s Steering Committee meetings, technical roundtables, and flagship convenings.
• Provide strategic advice to the Division Chief, the sector and senior management to advance the objectives and visibility of the Alliance.
• Coordinate with the member country representatives of the Alliance, the technical working groups, strategic partners, and potential funders to build consensus and strategic alignment to ensure its advancement and cross-group coordination.
• Develop and implement a working platform for mobilizing technical and financial resources to support knowledge sharing, policy implementation and evaluation.
• In coordination with the Division and the Global Partnership Office (GPS), work on outreach to potential funders and develop proposals for new resource mobilization for Alliance priorities; organize regular meetings with potential and current donors, as well as participate in regional and international platforms related to the Alliance to foster strong and strategic relationships with external stakeholders.
• Promote and ensure internal alignment and cross-departmental collaboration by advising on the integration of technical contributions in support of the Alliance’s priorities together with the division’s objectives.
• Assure quality and delivery of the Alliance’s working group agreed products and other products requested while coordinating the different technical meetings.
• Provide support for high-level communications and outreach efforts, in coordination with the Citizen Security Division team and through it with the Communications Division, to promote the Alliance’s impact and value proposition.
• Maintain communication with IFD Management and key institutional counterparts to ensure alignment and visibility.
• Coordinate the elaboration and maintenance of different digital outlets and other resources to keep the Alliance’s members informed.
• Elaborate different supporting documents required for the work of the Alliance and the division.
• Assist and cooperate with different areas and projects of the Division that align with the Alliance’s work. 

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s Degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Criminology, Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, Development Economics, or related field.
• Experience: At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in Citizen Security and Criminal Justice.
• Solid skills in working in multi-disciplinary and cross-sector teams to develop complex and innovative projects. 
• Good communication skills and capacity to engage in policy dialogue.
• Knowledge of multilateral development institutions and their lending instruments.  
• Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable.

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: 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: 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.