Operations Officer, Regional Cooperation and Integration

Job Description

INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is seeking to recruit an Operations Officer, Regional Cooperation and Integration, for the Private Sector Division.  The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s Office located in St. Michael, Barbados.

THE DIVISION

The Private Sector Division (PSD), situated within the Office of the Vice President (Operations), is at the forefront of advancing private sector–led growth and competitiveness in the Caribbean. PSD originates and implements a portfolio of capital and technical assistance projects designed to strengthen enterprises, foster innovation, facilitate trade, and promote inclusive economic development.

A critical dimension of this mandate is Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI). Through RCI, PSD works to deepen economic ties, expand market opportunities, and promote collaboration across Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) – helping to create a more connected, competitive, and resilient Caribbean economy.

PSD’s strategy follows two mutually reinforcing tracks:

• Strengthening the MSME sector through tailored support mechanisms, intermediary and direct lending, and innovative partnerships; and
• Building a broader enabling ecosystem for private sector development across BMCs, including support for public–private partnerships (PPPs) and RCI initiatives.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Coordinator, RCI, the Operations Officer, RCI contributes to the design, implementation, and monitoring of CDB’s RCI initiatives. The Officer provides technical and analytical support to ensure that RCI operations are well-aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities, deliver measurable results, and effectively advance regional integration across BMCs.

The incumbent collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to prepare and implement projects, research and policy papers, and to promote knowledge-sharing and partnerships in support of RCI objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Operations Officer, RCI, will be required to:

• Contribute to the formulation of strategy, policy, and preparation of technical documents to strengthen RCI among BMCs, ensuring alignment with CDB’s Strategic Plan, Gender Equality Policy, and Private Sector Development Strategy.

• Identify and develop RCI-related projects and technical assistance initiatives, ensuring robust technical, financial, and economic analysis.

• Provide advice and technical input on the design, appraisal, and implementation of RCI operations, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and CDB’s operational guidelines.

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of RCI projects, tracking key performance indicators, identifying implementation challenges, and recommending corrective measures.

• Analyse regional integration trends, trade, investment, and private sector development issues to inform project development and policy dialogue.

• Support the integration of cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, digitalisation, climate resilience, and youth inclusion within RCI interventions.

• Contribute to knowledge management activities, including the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.

• Engage and collaborate with regional and international partners, government counterparts, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen alignment and coordination of RCI initiatives.

• Undertake resource mobilisation activities through coordination with donors, preparation of concept notes, project briefs, and progress updates for development partners.

• Prepare and manage inputs for missions, workshops, and stakeholder consultations to ensure effective delivery of the RCI work programme.

• Contribute to knowledge management activities including the documentation, analysis, and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices from RCI operations, across CDB and stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate shall have:

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Governance, Regional Integration, Public Administration/Policy, International Trade/Affairs/Development, or another relevant discipline and at least five (5) years of experience in the preparation and implementation of development projects or programmes, preferably with a regional cooperation or private sector focus.
• An undergraduate degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Experience in data analysis, project cycle management, and results-based reporting.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Caribbean’s regional integration and development agenda.
• Familiarity with issues related to private sector development, trade facilitation, and cross-border cooperation.

The following would be considered an asset:

• Experience working in or with Multilateral Development Banks or international development institutions.

FUNCTION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

The Operations Officer, RCI, must demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary settings.

• The ability to effectively adapt to tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and sudden or frequent changes in priority in order to accomplish objectives.

• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• The ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

• The ability to build and maintain positive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Acting as a Champion for Change

Actively identifies problems and opportunities for change and implements solutions where appropriate. Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; and supports people in their efforts to try new things.

Acting Decisively

Moves quickly to make decisions and commits to a clear course of action; comfortable making decisions based on partial information; willing to take risks in order to maintain momentum; shows a strong bias toward action.

Acting Strategically

Aligns day-to-day activities around broader organisational goals and objectives; prioritises resources based on the strategic objectives of the organisation; recognises and rewards people based on how their actions support the broader needs of the organisation.

Championing Customer Needs

Calls attention to issues that impact customer satisfaction; views situations from the perspective of customers; encourages people to think about customers when making decisions and develops and sustains productive customer relationships.

Communicating Effectively

Consistently communicates with clarity and thoroughness to optimise audience understanding. Communicates information in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective speaking and presentation skills.

Delivering High Quality Work

Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice.

Displaying Technical Expertise

Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialised knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.

Driving for Results

Bottom-line oriented and pushes self and others to achieve results. Keeps current on project status; makes sure people are aware of project status and what they need to do to keep things moving; redirects project resources and activities to overcome setbacks; elevates project concerns to senior levels of leadership when appropriate.