Private Sector Officer

Job Description

Dept:EXR/EXR Location:Washington, D.C. Closing Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Established in 1959, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is today the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides loans, grants, guarantees, policy advice and technical assistance to the public and private sectors of its borrowing member countries.

The Office of External Relations (EXR) seeks a highly experienced professional to serve as the Private Sector Officer, reporting to the Chief of Constituencies.

The Office of External Relations manages all strategic communications for the Bank, including corporate communications and positioning, branding, message development, stakeholder and media relations, risk/crisis management communications, and development communications as well as communications in support of partnership-building, cultural affairs and the IDB’s social responsibility platform.

The Private Sector Officer is responsible for cultivating relationships with the private sector and the academic and think tank spheres consistent with Bank priorities and goals. This position recommends and implements programming designed to garner and maintain political support from these sectors in member countries and from politically influential constituencies in the US. This position will advise senior management on issues and trends in these sectors with potential influence on the Bank.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strategy for building relationships with the private sector with a focus on trade and professional associations. Proactively build and deepen relationship with influential private sector organizations in the region, understanding their concerns and interests vis-a-vie the Bank’s priorities. Acts at the ‘point person’ for issues regarding the private sector from a communications perspective.
• Develop and implement strategy for building relationships with key academic institutions and think tanks in the region.
• Develop and implement communication tools and events to engage the private sector, think tanks and academia in a systematic way, working closely with operational units and local offices.
• Re-design and lead the implementation of ‘business seminars’ designed to engage the private sector in Bank activities.
• Lead and actively participate in seminars and other outreach events. Represent the Bank at different functions involving the private sector, academia and/or think tanks as appropriate. Respond to inquiries via phone and email regarding Bank programs and activities.

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced degree(s) in Communications, International Relations, Public or Social Policy, business or related field Experience: At least seven years of experience either working in or exposed to the private sector and/or trade or professional associations. At least five years of working across a variety of sectors, e.g., government, civil society, academia, etc. Understanding of the Latin American and Caribbean region is required. Languages: Proficiency in at least two of the Bank’s official languages (one being English or Spanish) and preferably working knowledge of a third.

COMPETENCIES

Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop a vision, formulate objectives, set priorities, allocate resources, and implement plans consistent with the long-term interests of the institution while also being able to adjust plans to capitalize on opportunities and manage risks. Results Orientation: Ability to meet organizational goals and client expectations by producing high-quality results, involving creative problem-solving. Acting independently and resourcefully in response to work demands. Demonstrating motivation to produce quality, and acting with a sense of urgency to meet the objectives of the Bank and its member countries. Planning and Execution: Capacity to translate strategic goals and priorities into realistic and flexible plans and programs, optimizing the use of resources, monitoring implementation of plans to ensure that key results are achieved and delegating effectively. Building Coalitions: Ability to build coalitions internally and with other international organizations and private sector organizations to achieve common goals, anticipating their needs and interests while maintaining consistency with the Bank’s goals Communication skills: Ability to concisely and accurately convey information, both written and verbal, tailored appropriately to audiences and to all levels of seniority. Strong written and verbal presentation skills. Capacity to communicate complex and technical issues in simple terms.

The IDB offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including relocation expenses.

PROMOTING DIVERSITY

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