Regional Communications Consultant

About the role

The IDB Group is hiring a communications professional for its Country Offices in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, as part of the institutional transformation of the Vice Presidency for Countries and Regional Integration (VPC) and the Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama and Dominican Republic department. The consultancy supports the strategic positioning and visibility of the IDB as a trusted partner for sustainable development, advising management on external communication of institutional priorities, regional programs, partnerships, operations and knowledge products. It works closely with VPC, the Regional Department and the Communications Division.

Key responsibilities

• Advise the Country Representative and management on communications priorities, opportunities and risks, in line with IDB Group policies and approval processes.
• Develop and run an annual communications work plan and map key stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society, media, donors, academia, influencers).
• Design and implement results-based visibility approaches and strategies for high-visibility events, using the IDB brand and approved messaging.
• Support crisis communications and act as the country-level liaison with the Senior Regional Communicator and the Communications Division.
• Build and maintain media relationships, coordinate briefings, interviews and placements, and draft press releases, talking points and other media products.
• Monitor the IDB's reputation in local media, prepare media monitoring updates and news digests, and report on reach, quality and relevance.
• Act as focal point for brand and visual identity compliance, and oversee the production of communications materials with designers, photographers, videographers and agencies.

Required profile

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations or a related field; a Bachelor's plus two years of relevant experience may be considered instead.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in strategic communications, development communications or public relations, preferably in a media outlet, agency, foundation or international organization.
• Demonstrated experience in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua is highly desirable; knowledge of local culture and diplomatic protocol is an asset.
• Full professional proficiency in Spanish and English; French and Portuguese are preferable.
• Eligible to work in the job location without sponsorship, and no close relatives working at the IDB.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Leave of 2 days per month plus gender-neutral parental leave.
• Monthly allowance toward health insurance.
• On-site position with occasional telework flexibility.
• Professional development support and access to the Health Services Center.