Location

Post of duty: Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

We improve lives

IDB Invest is the private sector arm of the IDB Group and an international financial institution committed to addressing the development needs of Latin America and the Caribbean. Our mission is to support sustainable enterprises and projects that deliver financial results while maximizing social and environmental impact in the region.

IDB Invest operates in 26 countries, structured across four geographic regions and three industry verticals: Infrastructure and Energy, Financial Intermediaries, and Corporates.

In support of a new transformative business model, “Originate to Share,” our shareholders recently approved a $3.5 billion capitalization. This will allow IDB Invest to significantly scale up its investments and unlock greater private sector participation to drive development and climate impact across the region.

About this position

We are seeking a strategic, highly effective people leader with strong technical skills to serve as Director of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Division. This leader will direct several clusters within a high‑performing ESG team and play a pivotal role in supporting client policy compliance with IDB Invest’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy, strengthening IDB Invest’s value proposition to clients and stakeholders, and mitigating non-financial risks in IDB Invest financed projects.

The Director of ESG will ensure that IDB Invest delivers high-impact ESG oversight, support the advancement of the sustainability and impact agenda, and demonstrate thought leadership. This role is central to positioning IDB Invest as a trusted knowledge partner and capacity builder, helping clients integrate best ESG practices into their operations, and supporting critical stakeholder engagement.

To safeguard institutional integrity, the Director will operate with full independence from operational areas-upholding a robust framework of organizational checks and balances.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Division, this position is an integral member of the ESG risk leadership team. The Director works regularly with leaders from the Credit, Legal, and Investment functions, as well as clients, ensuring seamless coordination and end‑to‑end integration of ESG considerations across the institution.

What you’ll do

• Lead a team of environmental and social specialists within ESG with a focus on corporate sectors, such as mining, forestry, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, digital economy and telecommunications, as well as financial intermediary sector.
• Ensure IDB Invest–financed projects and technical assistance meet environmental and social sustainability and corporate governance standards and comply with safeguard policies aligned with international best practices.
• Oversee the design and quality assurance of safeguard plans with a particular focus on sectors mentioned above, including measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for impacts, and determine the involvement of third parties when needed.
• Strengthen safeguard and ESG management systems, tools, processes, and performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement and institutional consistency.
• Provide expert guidance to operational teams and clients throughout the project lifecycle on ESG risk management and impact assessment.
• Lead capacity‑building and training efforts for staff, clients, and partners to enhance ESG knowledge, commitment, and ability to manage risks effectively.
• Contribute to IDB Group Country Strategies, multi‑year business plans, guidance notes, and technical training materials.
• Promote coordination and alignment across the IDB Group on ESG and corporate governance matters.
• Capture, disseminate, and promote lessons learned, innovations, and best practices to position IDB Invest as a leader in sustainable investment.
• Drive sustainable business practices that maximize development impact across various client segments, from SMEs to large corporates, and financial institutions.
• Engage effectively with senior management, the Board, committees, clients, and other stakeholders in a complex, matrix organization.
• Monitor evolving market trends and clients’ needs to support investment flows toward more sustainable market segments.
• Manage and develop a diverse, interdisciplinary team, overseeing talent, performance, while fostering an inclusive, high‑performing culture.

What you'll need

• Education: Master's degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in environmental engineering, economics, business administration, finance, development studies, law, political science, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role. 
• Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience, preferably 15 years of relevant and substantive experience, in managing delivery safeguards and governance services. Proven track record of leading teams.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and one of the other Bank official languages (Spanish, French or Portuguese) is required.

Please note that for this position, the final candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check to the satisfaction of the IDB Group, as a pre-employment condition, which will be conducted by third-parties. 

Requirements

•    Citizenship: No requirements.

•    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 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 well-being: 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