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DIVISION CHIEF COMPETITIVENESS & INNOVATION

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 Chief of the Competitiveness and Innovation Division (CTI) will be responsible for leading the preparation and implementation of the Bank's strategy and action plan in the areas of competitiveness, technology and innovation. The Chief must ensure the effective management of the human capital and financial resources assigned to the Division for the production of new and improved products and services to the Bank's clients, with a view to maximizing the developmental impact of Bank activities and operations. CTI reports to the Institutions for Development Department Sector Manager (IFD) under the IDB's Vice-President for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS). 

In line with the Bank's Strategy on Institutions for Growth and Social Welfare, CTI is responsible for Bank interventions aimed at:

• Improving the policy and regulatory framework in Latin American (LAC) countries so that it is conducive to business innovation and entrepreneurship, and to the creation and growth of competitive firms.
• increasing private sector investment in innovation and technological development
• Boosting the productivity of firms and their capabilities to network and compete in international markets; and.
• Strengthening the capacity of institutions to design and implement innovation and productive development policies

CTI uses a mix of financial and non-financial instruments, including policy dialogue, loan operations, technical assistance, and knowledge generation and dissemination, to

• Develop and promote specific programs and projects that foster the creation and growth of dynamic firms in LAC with the capacities and tools to innovate and compete in international markets.
• Develop strategies, policies and guidelines for the Bank and borrowing member countries to promote increased productivity and competitiveness and accelerate the adoption and use of technologies.
• Conduct competitiveness, technology and innovation policy analysis and impact assessments to provide advice to borrowing member governments and private entities and to Bank staff.
• Provide support to member countries in the areas of business development and innovation, technology diffusion, competiveness and productivity.
• Develop and/or maintain a network of institutions in the region and around the world in the competitiveness, technology, and innovation sector.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides leadership and direction to the Division.
• Supports and oversees the design, preparation, supervision, and execution of Bank financial operations and non-financial products in the areas of business competitiveness, technology and innovation.
• Promotes specific programs and projects that foster institutions for business development and innovation, technology diffusion, entrepreneurship, and the competitiveness and internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Advises Management on the development of strategies, policies and guidelines for the Bank and borrowing member countries in the areas of business competitiveness, technology and innovation for increased productivity.
• Oversees applied research and the development of knowledge products on competitiveness, technology and innovation policy..
• Represents the Bank at public forums, conferences and seminars as speaker, panelist and participant.
• Provides support to operations and member countries in the areas of business policy and regulatory reform, institutions for productivity and business development, human capital for competitiveness, innovation systems and technology diffusion to firms, SME policy, and information and communication technologies.
• Develops and maintains a network of institutions around the world in the competitiveness, technology, and innovation sector.
• Provides technical oversight to borrowers, executing agencies, country offices and other units of the Bank in matters related to programs and projects in execution.
• Manages a highly skilled interdisciplinary and multi-cultural staff, located in Washington, DC and at the Bank's country offices in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Leads, coaches, establishes goals and expectations, provides feedback and technical guidance to optimize staff's performance.

Qualifications


Education:  Master's degree or equivalent preferably in economics or political science, public administration, business administration or other relevant fields. Ph.D. preferred.

Experience: at least 10 years of demonstrated work experience relevant to the duties and accountabilities of the position. Knowledge and understanding of the Latin America and Caribbean Region.  Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Proven management track record or demonstrated potential for managing a large and technically strong team.   Professional and personal stature to lead multi-disciplinary and/or cross-sector teams, with demonstrated well-honed integration skills.

Professional profile that is recognized as a leader and authority among peers in his/her specific discipline. S/he should combine intellectual leadership with: a) strong operational experience, with a track record of successful implementation of development projects and programs and b) broad experience in working with knowledge networks, knowledge dissemination and management. Demonstrated experience in leading projects that support innovation, entrepreneurship, business development services and competitiveness of private sector firms and clusters.

Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish is essential.  Working knowledge of a third official Bank language is a plus (Portuguese or French).

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
 
Strategic Leadership:  Understands the strategic issues facing the IDB, setting business priorities which translate into initiatives that provide the greatest value for the organization.  Is future-oriented, taking a broad and long-term view of options, challenges, and opportunities.
Leading Change:  Charts a new course by demonstrating support for innovation and by defining the organizational changes needed for improving business effectiveness.  Gains the necessary support to implement key changes.
Enabling Performance and Growth:  Delivers results by recruiting the right talent and effectively managing people and resources.  Sets performance standards and provides feedback, guidance, and coaching to drive growth and continuous improvement.
Promoting Diversity & Inclusion:  Models inclusive behaviors and leverages diversity to achieve business results.
Leading People: Competence to lead people and manage talent to meet the Bank's vision, mission and goals.

CORE COMPETENCIES
 
Client Focus and Management:   Focuses efforts on achieving business results through understanding and meeting internal and external client and stakeholder needs. Values the importance of providing high-quality customer service, while balancing the interests of the client and the IDB.
Innovation and Creativity:  Generates innovative and creative solutions to problems that contribute to organizational effectiveness.  Tries different and novel ways of approaching work to create added value in the services/products provided.
Knowledge-Sharing:  Actively develops and shares knowledge within and outside own business area.  Leverages expertise to improve organizational effectiveness and add value within sphere of influence.
Collaboration and Influence:  Encourages teamwork and cooperates with others to achieve mutually beneficial results.  Gains the support of others for own ideas and initiatives, regardless of formal authority and organizational boundaries.
Critical Thinking and Judgment:  Uses data, experience, and good judgment to make sound decisions and devise effective solutions to problems.  Assesses and manages risk in own work.

The IDB offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including relocation expenses (if applicable).
 
The IDB is committed to gender equality and encourages women to apply.
We seek diversity also in terms of nationality, ethnicity, race and educational background.
Persons living with disability or HIV/AIDS are equally encouraged to apply.

Contact Details


Contact:
Adriana Dabdoub
Telephone:
2026232900
Email:
adabdoubpaz@iadb.org

Application Instructions