Communications (Advisor) Senior Advisor

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 talented strategic thinker, top-notch communicator and a highly motivated professional to serve as Senior Advisor/ Advisor to the Manager of External Affairs and Communications (EXC). Reporting directly to the Manager, the Senior Advisor/ Advisor will support IDB Group-wide communication and external engagement efforts, enhance the IDB Group’s brand and values, and build strategic relationships with external stakeholders. The role involves guiding teams in external engagement, messaging, civil society collaboration, arts and culture, and protocol, ensuring alignment with IDB’s strategic vision.

EXC is responsible for managing internal and external communications, promoting and protecting the Bank’s brand, providing protocol services, bolstering culture and arts as a driver in development, and leading external engagement with civil society organizations, governments and other partners, in Washington, D.C. and across the region. You will work in the executive office of the EXC department and coordinate with internal teams and with multiple departments across the IDB Group and Country Offices.

What you’ll do

• Strategic Counsel and Advisory: Advise the Manager of EXC on communications and external affairs. Coordinate with departments and Senior Management for cohesive messaging and engagement strategies. Support strategic planning aligned with institutional priorities and the President’s vision. Identify opportunities and risks in external policy, oversee stakeholder engagement, analyze trends for informed decision-making, and assist in executing EXC’s work program, tracking progress against goals and KPIs, and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Stakeholder and Relationship Management: Support the EXC Manager in developing and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with IDB Group’s strategy and the President’s vision. Track commitments and follow-up actions across the communications division and external affairs unit. Assist in high-profile engagements, events, and public speaking, and document agreements and actions. Act as a liaison to ensure message coordination and policy cohesion across the bank.
• Problem Solving, Crisis, and Reputation Management: Offer strategic guidance on sensitive issues and crisis communications. Develop contingency plans for reputational risks with internal divisions. Monitor outreach impact and recommend adjustments. Advise on organizational structure, culture, and efficiency improvements.
• Internal Coordination and Leadership: Work with internal teams across the bank to address EXC department issues and align with the Bank’s strategic goals. Support cross-functional initiatives involving both internal and external stakeholders.
• Research and Evidence-Based Analysis: Analyze data and trends to assess EXC’s impact on external affairs and communications. Prepare reports, white papers, and presentations to shape the narrative for leadership and external engagements.
• Strategic Communications and Engagement Plans: Collaborate with the Department and other Bank offices to develop and execute a strategic communications and external engagement plan. Use data-driven insights and best practices to advance IDB’s objectives and protect its reputation through effective narrative, visual identity, and public outreach.
• External Stakeholder Platform: Lead and manage channels to engage with key stakeholders like think tanks and advocacy groups. Share information and best practices to maximize impact. Support EXC civil society engagement in coordination with other Bank teams.
• Culture and Arts: Oversee the Culture, Arts & Collection group to align initiatives with the Bank’s strategies and values. Measure impact and identify opportunities to elevate the function.

What you’ll need

-Education:

Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in foreign relations, political science, political economy, economics, journalism or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

-Experience:

At least seven years (Senior Advisor) or six years (Advisor) of progressive experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, directly related to the functions of the position.

-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

• Staff: 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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

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