Mining Principal Specialist / Mining Sector Lead Specialist

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 highly qualified professional to lead the Mining for the Energy Transition Group (MET) within the Energy Division (ENE). The Group Head of MET will work under the direct supervision of the Energy Division Chief and in coordination with the Manager of the Infrastructure and Energy Sector (INE) within the Vice Presidency for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS).

 The Infrastructure and Energy Sector (INE) is responsible for conceptualizing, preparing, executing, and supervising the Bank’s operations in Energy, Transport, Water and Sanitation, and Mining. Its core functions include the preparation of sector policies, strategies, operational guidelines, and infrastructure programs. INE develops relevant research, disseminates best practices and case studies, and provides specialized technical support to IDB member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

 The Energy Division has the operational responsibility in the IDB to finance energy infrastructure projects (including generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, renewable energy), especially to support governments and public agencies in LAC, with sovereign guaranteed operations. The main goal of the division is to support the energy transition in the region as an instrument to alleviate poverty, combat climate change, and improve the productivity of the region.

 Within the Energy Division, the Mining for the Energy Transition Group (MET), established in 2017, plays a pivotal role in supporting the sustainable development of the mining sector, with a focus on critical minerals needed to drive the energy transition.

What you’ll do

• Support LAC in harnessing opportunities in the mining sector, particularly critical minerals for energy transition.
• Deploy Bank instruments, technical assistance, advisory services, and financing solutions to promote regional sustainable mining development. Growth of value chains, partnerships, policy and regulatory advice on infrastructure development in mining and decarbonization operations.
• Identify synergies between energy and mining sectors to scale impactful solutions, positioning LAC as key contributor to global challenges.
• Promote collaboration with national-local governments, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and communities to enhance governance, improve value creation and foster territorial development.
• Engage in high-level dialogue with governments, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders to propose and design mining sector frameworks, legal, regulatory, fiscal, environmental and social policies.
• Support competitiveness, value addition of the mining industry for sustainable economic and social development at local, regional, and national levels.
• Develop, disseminate knowledge, best practices and solutions on sector challenges.
• Foster, adopt best-in-class environmental and social management practices to ensure sustainable development.
• Partner with mining companies, develop technologies improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and creating community employment opportunity.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Mining Group on work planning, performance management, and team supervision.
• Lead the design, preparation, and supervision of sovereign-guaranteed and non-financial products, with a strong focus on critical minerals for energy transition.
• Foster partnerships, identify synergies and develop collaboration with IDB Group, external agencies or donors.
• Establish and execute resource and partnership strategy, funding and support for mining projects.

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree in economics, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance or related fields.
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience in the mining field, both in the public and the private sector (mining policy, regulation, fiscal management, mining development, mining project development and implementation). Proven track record on management in similar positions, preferably in Latin America and/ or the Caribbean, including supervision of technically strong multidisciplinary teams (preferably in a matrix structure). Have strong analytical skills, operational experience, in the public and private sector of the mining industries, international experience in the mining sector in Latin America and the Caribbean and global knowledge of the mining sector. Experience working in for government, private sector in the mining sector and multilateral organizations highly valued.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish. Knowledge of additional Bank’s official languages (Portuguese and French) is a plus.

Requirements

• Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our . 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.

Location Washington, DC. Future post of duty in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile or Peru possible upon business need and 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 accomodations@iadb.org.