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 Trade and Investment Division (TIN) of the Productivity, Trade and Innovation Sector (PTI) of the Vice-Presidency for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS) is seeking a Trade and Investment Senior Specialist to lead or support specific TIN operations in the Country Department Central America (CID). In this capacity, the specialist will be responsible for the dialogue and development of new business opportunities, the preparation and supervision of lending and grant operations, and the generation of high quality, innovative knowledge products to support TIN’s work program. This position will be supervised by TIN´s Division Chief and work under the coordination of TIN´s hub for CID.

TIN supports LAC integration into the global economy and regional integration and cooperation through lending operations, technical assistance and applied economic and sector work. Aligned to these efforts, TIN supports the technical implementation of international trade and investment through policy dialogues and business fora.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design, processing, negotiation and administration of TIN’s lending operations and grants in the primary designated countries: Costa Rica, Panamá and Guatemala. This is without prejudice to technical and analytical support provided in the context of other projects in third countries or subregions as requested.
• Establish a fluid and permanent dialogue with clients and partners from the public and private sector in the designated countries to foster TIN’s work program and agenda.
• Provide strategic advice to TIN in the development of a strong operational program aligned to the Sector’s objectives, including subregional approaches, particularly for the designated countries. 
• Assess the capabilities of the designated countries to benefit from regional, international, and global trade and investment -identifying main restrictions and opportunities at the operational and policy level- and develop viable and innovative technical solutions to address them.
• Make policy recommendations to TIN and PTI on issues related to trade and investment policy and trade facilitation and logistics.
• Advise TIN on how to strengthen the technical quality of country policy dialogues on trade, investment, and regional trade integration.
• Support operational knowledge and sector work in the functional areas of TIN, including diagnostics for national and regional programming processes in the designated countries.
• Coordinate training and other capacity building activities with government and private sector leaders to build high quality technical expertise.
• Build and maintain internal and external networks to access and expand knowledge.

What you'll need

•    Education: Master’s degree in economics, business administration, public policy, law, international business, or related fields.

•    Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in the fields of international trade policy, trade facilitation, and investment attraction/promotion. 

•    Languages:  
    -    Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required.

•    Sector Knowledge:  
    -    Proven expertise in international trade policy, trade facilitation and/or investment attraction/promotion.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 which 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 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.