City: Washington DC
Company: IDB
Posting End Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM EST
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 highly experienced, strategic, and innovative Senior Citizen Security Specialist to work in the Citizen Security (CIS) Division, within the Institutions for Development (IFD) Sector of the Vice Presidency for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS).
The CIS Division is responsible for conceptualizing, preparing, and supporting the execution and supervision of the IDB's sector operations in the field of Citizen Security and Criminal Justice. The Division also leads the development of sector strategies, policies, guidelines, knowledge products, and evidence to support governments in addressing crime, violence, and organized crime challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The selected candidate will provide technical leadership and serve as a focal point for governments, regional organizations, and international partners in the development and implementation of citizen security, violence prevention, criminal justice, and organized crime initiatives. The position will play a leading role in policy dialogue, operational design and supervision, knowledge generation, and coordination of regional and international initiatives.
What you'll do
- Lead the design, supervision, and evaluation of Citizen Security and Criminal Justice operations and support governmental agencies in the planning and monitoring of projects and programs.
- Serve as the Division's focal point and technical advisor for governments, regional organizations, and international partners on citizen security, violence prevention, criminal justice, and organized crime.
- Contribute to policy dialogue with public and international sector counterparts and support the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, strategies, and institutional reforms.
- Promote and coordinate regional and international initiatives aimed at addressing crime, violence, and organized crime.
- Provide technical leadership in the development and management of programs focused on violence prevention, criminal justice, public safety, and responses to organized crime.
- Work in multidisciplinary and cross-sector teams to develop complex and innovative projects at different levels of government.
- Promote innovative approaches to address key sector challenges and strengthen institutional capacities.
- Proactively define the development and promotion of tools, methodologies, procedures, policies, and best practices in Citizen Security and Criminal Justice.
- Conduct and oversee analytical work, knowledge generation, and evidence-building activities to support policymaking and operational effectiveness.
What you'll need
- Education: Master's degree required. Ph.D. strongly preferred in Criminology, Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Political Science, Economics, International Development, Security Studies, Sociology, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.
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- Experience: At least 5 years (preferably 10) of progressively responsible professional experience in citizen security, criminal justice, violence prevention, organized crime, or related fields.
- 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. 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 benefitsprogram that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs. -Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees inplanning 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 healtheducation for employees. -Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professionalcounseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others. -Other perks: Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, andothers.
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 .
