Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Lead Specialist

Location

Post of duty: Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

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 an experienced Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Lead Specialist to help advance the Inter-American Development Bank’s agenda on digital government, artificial intelligence, and state modernization, across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Based in the Institutional Capacity of the State Division (ICS), the selected candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of policies, programs, and operations that strengthen public sector performance through the effective use of digital technologies and data.

The position will play a key role in shaping the Division’s regional agenda for digital transformation and artificial intelligence, supporting policy dialogue, operational delivery, knowledge generation, and strategic partnerships. The selected candidate will work closely with governments, development partners, academia, and the private sector to advance initiatives across digital government, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity, data governance, and public-sector innovation, among others.

We are seeking candidates with strong technical expertise, strategic thinking, and operational experience, as well as a demonstrated ability to work effectively in complex institutional environments. Experience in Latin America and the Caribbean and the ability to translate technical knowledge into practical solutions and policy outcomes are essential.

What you’ll do

• Provide technical leadership to shape and advance the Division's regional agenda for digital transformation and artificial intelligence, driving policy dialogue, partnerships, knowledge generation, and operational priorities that support member countries and institutional objectives.
• Participate in the identification, preparation, execution, and supervision of loan operations, technical cooperation projects, and advisory services related to digital transformation and artificial intelligence from origination to completion in member countries.
• Provide technical leadership in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, supporting governments and internal teams in designing and implementing digital strategies, institutional modernization initiatives, and AI adoption frameworks.
• Lead policy dialogue with government authorities and senior stakeholders, providing strategic advice and promoting the integration of digital transformation and artificial intelligence priorities into country strategies, operational programs, and institutional reforms.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with development partners, academia, private-sector organizations, and multilateral institutions to advance regional priorities and mobilize technical and financial resources.
• Lead or contribute to knowledge products, technical publications, operational tools, communities of practice, and regional knowledge-exchange initiatives.
• Guide, coach, and mentor junior staff and multidisciplinary teams
• Work independently with minimal oversight, applying sound judgment, strategic thinking, and leadership in complex operational and policy environments.

What you'll need

• Education: Master's degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Engineering, Information Systems, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

• Experience: At least 6 years of relevant professional experience, preferably 15 years of experience, in digital transformation, digital government, artificial intelligence, public sector modernization, or related fields, gained in governments, international organizations, development institutions, academia, or the private sector. Demonstrated experience in policy dialogue with senior public officials, management of complex projects or operations, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is required.

• 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 benefits program that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
• Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future.
• We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
• On-site position with the occasional flexibility of teleworking.
• Health and well-being: Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for employees.
• Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others.
• Other perks (country specific): Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, spouse career support, and others.

Our culture

At the IDB Group, 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.