Citizen Security Senior Specialist

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.

• 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

Our culture

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 .