Chief Strategy Officer

IDB Lab is the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group. It focuses on fostering early-stage innovation with a strong emphasis on technology and entrepreneurship. The primary objectives of IDB Lab are to benefit poor and vulnerable populations and to activate new industries in frontier markets. By mobilizing financing, knowledge, and connections, IDB Lab supports innovative ventures and ecosystems, enabling them to thrive.

In addition to its focus on technology and entrepreneurship, IDB Lab addresses specific challenges such as climate resilience, access to quality essential services, and creating greater opportunities for livelihoods. It leverages partnerships between the public and private sectors, civil society, and academic institutions to influence public policy and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through its various flagship initiatives, IDB Lab aims to drive social inclusion, environmental action, and productivity in the region, ultimately improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean.

IDB Lab successfully concluded a $400 million replenishment of resources (called “MIF IV Replenishment”) and is preparing for the implementation of this new phase under a new business model. The IDB Lab's role includes facilitating the development of proposals and ensuring consensus among donors on key issues. The IDB Lab+ proposes strategic shifts such as increasing the proportion of reimbursable financing and aligning with the IDB Group's Institutional Strategy.

To align the implementation of MIF IV with the organizational structure of IDB Lab, the Strategy, Knowledge, and Impact Unit has been elevated to a Division (SKI), reinforcing its critical role in optimizing IDB Lab’s operational model and financial sustainability. This division is dedicated to enhancing IDB Lab’s impact, fostering a client-centric approach, and cultivating an internal culture of innovation. SKI is responsible for the development and execution of the Innovation and Results Framework (IRF), a comprehensive system designed to measure, track, manage, and evaluate IDB Lab’s impact throughout the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) IV period.

About this position

We seek a dynamic and experienced leader to join as Strategy, Knowledge, and Impact Division Chief.

The candidate should be a strategic thinker with key skills such as the ability to analyze complex situations, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans that align with organizational goals. The candidate should have also strong communication and engagement skills to manage relations and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

As Strategy, Knowledge, and Impact Division Chief, you will report directly the CEO of IDB Lab.

What you’ll do

Strategic Planning:

• Defines priority development challenges within and across verticals.
• Monitors and analyzes the strategic fit of the portfolio and steer thematic focus.
• Prepares content for and participates in country strategy and sector strategy processes.
• Leads the preparation of IDB Lab strategic documents (Business Plan, Work Plan and Budget, etc.).
• Determines and monitor indicators/KPIs.

Impact Management:

• Ensure the implementation of IDB Lab's impact and development effectiveness framework.
• Serves as the business interlocutor for the Development and Effectiveness Services (DVF) SLA, oversees the service provided by DVF and ensures they align with organizational objectives and the approved strategy.

Knowledge:

• Oversees selected technology programs in frontier areas that can yield substantial learnings, such as FAIR LAC.
• Develops and executes strategies for knowledge management and innovation, promoting a culture of continuous learning.

Institutional Engagement and Communication:

• Facilitates relationship building and management across the IDB Group, ensuring strong links with institutional stakeholders. Responsible for the frequent engagement and communication with Regional Managers and Country Representatives.
• Serves as the business interlocutor for communications.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in one of the following areas: Economics, Development

Studies, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

• Experience: At least 10 years of proven experience related to the key responsibilities of the position. Track record of handling high-performance teams.  Experience with financial instruments and knowledge of one or more areas under the purview of the Division. Deep understanding of Sustainable Development Goals, development challenge and client needs, of different country/regional areas, market idiosyncrasies, and drivers of change in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Languages:  Proficiency in English is required and in Spanish desired. Additional knowledge of Portuguese and/or French is a plus.

Key skills

• Coach and Develop 
• Build Lean and Versatile Teams  
• Lead Change and Transformation  
• Foster a Digital Innovation Culture
• Leverage Data and Technology for Strategic Decision-Making. Operational Excellence and Client Service
• Embrace an Agile and Adaptive Approach
• Create Partnerships  

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

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.