Consultant for Water and Sanitation in LATAM and the Caribbean (FECASALC)

Job Description

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 skilled professional with background in managing and coordinating development programs, along with a solid understanding of the water and sanitation sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

As a consultant supporting the coordination of FECASALC, your main responsibility will be to assist in managing the Fund by facilitating coordination between the IDB—through the Water and Sanitation Division (INE/WSA)—and the Cooperation Fund for Water and Sanitation Department (DFCAS) of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).  

In July 2009, the Government of Spain (GoS) signed a Framework Document with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), establishing the Spanish Cooperation Fund for Water and Sanitation in Latin America and the Caribbean (FECASALC). 

FECASALC serves as a catalyst for the partnership between the GoS and the IDB to strengthen the water and sanitation sector in the region. Thanks to a US$580 million grant from the GDE, the Bank has mobilized a total portfolio of US$1.509 billion, leveraging loan resources, local contributions, and support from other donors. The portfolio consists of 20 operations (17 completed and 3 in the administrative closing phase) and 18 technical cooperations (8 completed and 10 ongoing). To date, 98% of the funds have been executed, benefiting over two and a half million people. 

FECASALC programs have also laid the groundwork for new operations financed through other mechanisms, such as FONPRODE (now FEDES, linked to AECID’s loan programs), the European Union’s LAIF (now LACIF) for enhancing strategic components or creating multi-donor initiatives, and AQUAFUND, a multi-donor fund with Spanish participation. 

You will work with the INE/WSA team responsible for coordinating FECASALC. This team oversees activities funded through FECASALC resources and, with respect to these funds, prepares formal reports and responds to information requests. It fosters coordination spaces, supports evaluation processes, and promotes communication and knowledge-sharing efforts. The team ensures alignment of activities with the Fund’s framework and objectives, as well as with the priorities of the Spanish Cooperation and the IDB. It also promotes the strategic alliance between Spain and the IDB to strengthen the water and sanitation sector in the region.

What you’ll do

• Support activities related to the coordination and execution of the FECASALC project portfolio, ensuring that projects financed with the Fund’s resources comply with the agreements made between the Government of Spain (GoE) and the IDB under this framework, and that FECASALC activities contribute to the achievement of the agreed objectives. Key tasks include:(i) preparing an annual activity report;(ii) organizing follow-up meetings between AECID and the IDB;(iii) responding to AECID’s information requests related to fund execution;(iv) supporting the development of knowledge generation, systematization, and dissemination activities, as well as communication and outreach efforts for FECASALC projects;(v) supporting evaluation processes.
• Prepare an annual FECASALC Expense Budget in coordination with the IDB’s ORP office, support its approval process by the GoE within the framework of the agreements between AECID and the IDB, monitor its execution, and assist in the annual reporting of expenses incurred.
• Collaborate with IDB teams in developing workstreams supported by FECASALC, particularly focusing on areas such as water security, sanitation, service provision in rural areas and small towns, and transboundary water management.
• Promote strategic dialogue between the GoE and the IDB and ensure harmonization and coordination between actions carried out by the IDB and those developed through AECID-administered projects.
• Support coordination of FECASALC with FEDES, AQUAFUND, or other funds from Spain linked to the Bank in the water and sanitation sector. In relation to potential funds from the European Union (such as LACIF or other instruments), where AECID and the IDB are involved: assist in defining programs, preparing proposals, coordinating technical cooperation, executing actions, and reporting activities. Regarding AQUAFUND: support the identification of strategic priorities with the GdE as a complement to FECASALC, assist in preparing documents for fund transfer and in articulating technical cooperation related to prioritized funds, track action execution, and support reporting activities. Regarding FEDES: promote the integration of good practices from FECASALC programs, assist in identifying a joint portfolio, and seek complementarity with technical cooperation resources. 

What you’ll need

• Education: ​Master’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, geology, hydrology, economics, development, finance, social sciences or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.​  
• Experience: ​At least 10 years of experience in the management and coordination of development programs. A minimum of 6 years of experience in management, identification, preparation, and/or execution of international cooperation projects in Water and Sanitation, with at least 3 years of experience working in the water and sanitation sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. Knowledge of multilateral institutions, Spanish Cooperation, and the operational procedures of the IDB will be valued. Strong teamwork skills and the ability to build relationships with institutions. ​  
• 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.​
• 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  
• Duration: Full-Time, 24 months (up to 36 months). 
• Work Location: On site Washington, D.C. 

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.

-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 it applies.

-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 that provides preventive care and health education for employees.

-Other perks (country specific): 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.

Our Human Resources Team carefully reviews every application.

About the Organization

A long-standing initiative of the Latin American countries, the Inter-American Development Bank was established in 1959 as a development institution with novel mandates and tools. Its lending and technical cooperation programs for economic and social development projects went far beyond the mere financing of economic projects that was customary at the time. The IDB's programs and tools proved so effective that soon the IDB became the model on which all other regional and sub-regional multilateral development banks were created. Today, the IDB is the oldest and largest regional development bank. It is the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development projects as well as trade and regional integration programs in Latin America and the Caribbean