INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is seeking to recruit an Operations Officer, Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise 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) supports the development of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) sector and in building a broader ecosystem for private sector development in client countries using Technical Assistance (TA), direct lending and public-private partnerships (PPPs). The focus of the Division includes:

• Providing a range of support mechanisms to MSMEs.
• Identifying new approaches to intermediary lending, through both Development Finance Institutions and other potential partners.
• Directing private sector lending through the Bank's Ordinary Capital Resources window and the leveraging of partnerships with other International Financial Institutions.
• Providing support for PPPs, including collaborative lending with partners

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Coordinator, MSME Development, the Operations Officer (OO, MSME) is responsible for providing the Bank with high-quality technical analysis, strategic advice, and operational guidance on the design, appraisal, and implementation of interventions supporting the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) sector across CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). The role contributes to advancing the Bank’s private sector development agenda by supporting the development of financing and technical assistance operations that enhance access to finance, strengthen enterprise competitiveness, and foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This includes the appraisal of loan and grant proposals, development of programme frameworks, and provision of advisory support to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Within this broader mandate, the Operations Officer will support the effective delivery of targeted programmes, including the Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network, which provides a range of technical assistance to MSMEs through training, advisory services, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional support. The Officer will also contribute to the design and implementation of other MSME-focused initiatives within the Bank’s Operations area, taking into account the Bank’s operational and cross-cutting priorities including climate resilience, institutional strengthening, digital transformation, innovation and sustainable value chains. In addition, the Operations Officer provides expert guidance to governments, private sector intermediaries, and internal stakeholders, ensuring that interventions are well-designed, results-oriented, and aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities for private sector development and regional economic resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The OO (MSME) will be required to:

• Identify TA and loan projects which fall within the scope of the Bank's Private Sector Development Policy and Strategy that will impact significantly on the enabling environment for private sector development and the improved competitiveness of MSMEs.

• Review and appraise all CTCS Network and other MSME development requests to ensure best use of CDB's resources consistent with the priorities and guidelines established under applicable financing arrangements.

• Design and prepare all terms of reference, execution methodologies, contractual procedures, budgets and administrative requirements for the efficient and timely execution of approved MSME development projects.

• Manage the execution of all approved MSME development projects throughout all phases of the project cycle, inclusive of, identification and supervision of consultants, and collaboration with clients and intermediaries in the respective BMCs.

• Plan and execute visits to assigned BMCs to effect identification, appraisal and impact assessment of MSME development interventions in the respective BMCs.

• Assist the Coordinator, MSME Development, in ensuring that the MSME development portfolio is managed within a compliance framework (including the CTCS Operations Manual), and routinely perform quality control checks in accordance with the procedures and guidelines.

• Support the development and tracking of KPIs, development outcomes and impact for MSME interventions.

• Consult with intermediaries and MSME beneficiaries to provide counseling and guidance as may be required to ensure the promotion and development of sustainable capacity within country to facilitate innovative and sustainable MSME development programmes.

• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and briefs as required, on all MSME development activities, in accordance with reporting requirements.

• Support the integration of digital tools, climate resilience and green practices across MSME interventions.

• Provide guidance on CDB's procurement policies and procedures related to the acquisition of goods and services under COB-financed projects.

• Provide inputs to policies, procedures and other documents related to the work of the Projects Department and other Units/Divisions within the Bank.

• Develop strategic partnerships with Stakeholders, Financial Institutions, Governments, Civil Society and the Private Sector in furtherance of programme objectives.

• Support MSME pipeline development/resource mobilisation discussions and concept development for new programmes aligned with PSD and Bank priorities.

• Contribute to the maintenance of MSME knowledge management by systematically capturing, organising, assessing and sharing information for the purpose of creating value and meeting strategic requirements.

• Represent CDB in workshops and other related fora on MSME development.

• Promote the visibility and benefits of CDB MSME development services/programmes by working collaboratively with CDB's Corporate Communications Unit to ensure strong brand visibility.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate must have:

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Governance, International Trade/Affairs/Development or other relevant discipline.
• Significant experience in Project or MSME Policy Management, with at least five (5) years of experience in MSME development, including the implementation of innovative MSME/entrepreneurship projects.
• An undergraduate degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• An excellent track record in MSME development programmes and experience in project management.
• Evidence of work incorporating cross-cutting themes in MSME development interventions such as Gender Equality, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Disaster Risk Management and Climate Sustainability.

FUNCTION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

The OO (MSME) must demonstrate:

• The ability to interface with the public and persons at all levels in government and in institutional settings and to provide coaching and capacity-building skills.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to gather information, assess risk, consider the impact and articulate the implications of decisions to both internal and external stakeholders.

• The ability to operate with sensitivity in a diverse, multicultural environment and to build effective working relationships at all levels.

• A strong client focus, excellent business judgement, and ability to produce consistently positive results.

• Knowledge of procurement procedures and processes.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

The OO (MSME) should demonstrate strong proficiency in the following organisational core 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.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This role is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary scale for this Grade 20 role starts at USD81,816 per annum net of taxes. The benefits package includes a pension plan, life and medical insurances.

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:

• You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
• You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
• All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of information supplied and assures you that we will not discuss your background and interest with anyone including references, without your prior consent.

The deadline for submission of applications is June 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm AST.

The Caribbean Development Bank is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Bank provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request such accommodation.