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About this position

We are looking for a highly motivated, technically strong, and collaborative Disaster Risk Management Consultant. As Disaster Risk Management Consultant, you will support the implementation of disaster risk management initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean by contributing to technical cooperation and lending operations, supporting the implementation of the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management (AP-DRM) 2024–2025, assisting in the development of AP-DRM 2026–2030, and contributing to the regional initiative “Ready and Resilient Americas.” You will also support knowledge generation, policy dialogue, and capacity-building activities, while facilitating knowledge exchange between Japan and the region and helping strengthen the Bank’s institutional capacity for disaster risk management.

You will work in the Disaster Risk Management Unit as part of the Inter-American Development Bank Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector (CSD). This team is responsible for advancing disaster risk management across the Bank by improving the quality and coherence of DRM-related operations, coordinating the implementation of strategic frameworks and initiatives, managing technical cooperation and lending operations, and supporting countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen resilience through proactive risk reduction, preparedness, and innovative solutions.

What you’ll do

• Provide technical and operational assistance for the implementation of the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management (AP-DRM) 2024–2025 and the upcoming AP-DRM 2026–2030, and the regional initiative "Ready and Resilient Americas." This includes contributing to the development of annual work plans and priority investment areas under these frameworks, supporting the alignment of projects with strategic objectives, assisting in the definition of results indicators, and tracking progress. The consultant will also support the preparation of technical materials - such as reports, presentations, and learning notes - and contribute to the organization of knowledge-sharing events and internal cross-sectoral coordination meetings, as well as technical dialogue and policy discussions with client countries. In addition, the consultant will assist with the periodic update of DRM indicators and contribute to the maintenance and content development of the Bank’s DRM knowledge platform, including the RiskMonitor website.
• Provide technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of project teams in the preparation, implementation, and supervision of DRM specific loan and technical cooperation (TC) projects. This support may include (i) conducting risk analyses, and (ii) risk reduction (structural engineering, including the NbS); (iii) disaster preparedness, including early warning systems. The consultant will also support the strategic use of TC funding instruments - such as the Japan Trust Fund - to complement and leverage loan operations, where applicable.
• Provide technical assistance to mainstream DRM across sectors - through close coordination with DRM Unit team members, the consultant will support sector specialists and country programming teams in incorporating DRM considerations into regular IDB operations. Specific activities may include supporting the incorporation of DRM in country strategies and annual programming documents, organizing DRM training workshops, events and meetings for other divisions, and assisting in the design of sector-specific loans that incorporate DRM elements. These capacity-building efforts will be carried out, where appropriate, in collaboration with the Bank’s Knowledge, Innovation, and Communication Division (KIC).
• Enhance collaboration with international development partners to strengthen member countries’ DRM implementation capacities. This includes providing technical assistance to promote coordinated actions, reduce duplication, and mobilize resources that help countries protect development investments. Specific activities may involve identifying and implementing priority collaborative efforts—such as training and technical assistance—with partners like JICA and other donors. This may also include supporting outreach efforts with JICA and other donors to maintain relationships, share relevant results, and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

What you'll need

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in disciplines related to disaster risk management such as engineering, geology, urban planning and/or administration, rural development, natural resource management, economic sciences, information technology or another relevant field is required.

Experience: At least 5 years of progressive experience in planning, implementation, finance and/or administration of disaster risk management projects. Practical experience in (preferably acquired through professional in Japan) at least one of the following areas is required: risk identification, risk reduction, risk-informed governance, post-disaster recovery processes and emergency response. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in training AI‑based tools for disaster risk modeling, analytics, and the development of disaster risk management (DRM)-related indices.

Languages: Proficiency in English, spoken and written, is required.Additional knowledge of Japanese 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 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 consultant Full-Time, 24 months (up to 48 months, subject to eligibility).

What we offer

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