Environmental and Biodiversity Consultant

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 experienced and highly motivated environmental contractual. As an Environmental and Biodiversity consultant, you will support the implementation of the Bank's operations. You will ensure they comply with the IDB's Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF) and internationally recognized best practices. In addition, this position requires solid competencies under ESPS 6 (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources), including biodiversity impact assessment, biodiversity action plans, habitat classification (modified, natural, and critical), critical habitat evaluation, ecosystem services analysis, and natural resource management.  

You will work in the Environmental and Social Solutions Division (VPS/ESG) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). ESG is responsible for ensuring that IDB-financed projects and other activities are environmentally and socially sustainable and comply with the Bank’s environmental and social policy framework (ESPF) and previous environmental and social safeguard policies. Specialists in VPS/ESG provide the Bank and its borrowers with guidance on environmental and social safeguard issues and participate in project teams, providing technical input on social and environmental issues during project preparation/due diligence and supervision.

What you’ll do

The contractual will be supervised by a Group Head in one of ESG’s Support to Operations Groups, providing environmental support in the preparation and supervision of operations and other activities, not limited to the following:

• Provide environmental support for project preparation and supervision under the guidance of a Group Head.
• Prepare Initial Environmental and Social Review Summaries (iESRS) and ESRS.
• Draft terms of reference (TORs) and review ESAs, ESMPs, ESMSs, BAPs, and related instruments.
• Participate in preparation missions and contribute to aide-mémoires.
• Join supervision missions and produce supervision reports and aide-mémoires.
• Review internal/external documents and provide written recommendations.
• Prepare TORs and review environmental and social documents required by Bank policies during supervision.
• Assess biodiversity information and biodiversity requirements (natural and critical habitats) per ESPS 6.
• Identify critical habitats and assess risks to biodiversity following the mitigation hierarchy.
• Support development and review of biodiversity action plans (BAPs) and critical habitat strategies.
• Evaluate ecosystem services, invasive species risks, and sustainability of natural resource management projects.
• Provide ESPF, including ESPS 6,  trainings and participate in meetings with executing agencies and project team leaders.

What you'll need

•    Education: Master's degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in environmental management, environmental sciences, biology, ecology, geography, forestry, range science, natural resource management, or related disciplines aligned with the ESPF and primarily to the ESPS 6.  

•    Experience: At least 5 years of progressive experience in the fields mentioned above. Knowledge of the IDB’s ESPF or experience working with other multilateral development banks’ policies is preferable. Additional required experience includes at least three of the following: biodiversity fieldwork, critical habitat assessment, habitat mapping, ecosystem services analysis, species distribution analysis, sustainable resource management, or work with IFC/IDB ESPS 6 or similar multilateral development bank policies. Demonstrated taxonomic, ecological, or biogeographical expertise in species or ecosystems relevant to Latin America and the Caribbean is preferable.

•    Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable.

Key skills

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

•    Type of contract: International consultant, Full-Time.

•    Length of contract: 12 months (up to 36 months).

•    Work location: On-site.
  

What we offer

The IDB Group offers benefits that address the different needs and life moments of its employees. These benefits include:

• A competitive compensation package.
• Leaves and vacations: 2 days per month of contract + gender- neutral parental leave.
• Health Insurance: The IDB Group provides a monthly allowance for the purchase of health insurance.
• Savings plan: ​​​​​​​The IDB Group cares about your future. Depending on the length of the contract, you will receive a monthly savings plan allowance.
• We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when applicable.
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules.
• Development support: We offer learning opportunities to boost your professional profile, such as seminars, 1:1 professional counseling, and much more.
• Health and well-being: Access to our Health Services Center, which provides preventive care and health education for employees.
• Other perks: 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.