PEC Consultant - Feasibility assessment and initial design of a subsidization mechanism for CWUIC (Washington D.C., US, 20577)

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 seeking a consultant to assess the feasibility of a structured subsidy mechanism and develop an initial concept to support premium affordability of the Parametric Insurance Program under the Caribbean Water Utilities Insurance Collective Segregated Portfolio (CWUIC SP). CWUIC SP is managed by the Water and Sanitation Division within IDB’s Infrastructure and Energy Sector (INE/WSA), in collaboration with other partner organizations.

As the consultant, you will be responsible for (i) assessing the feasibility of a structured subsidization mechanism to enhance premium affordability under the CWUIC Parametric Insurance Program, including a review of relevant financing approaches and constraints; and (ii) developing an initial concept for a subsidy mechanism for CWUIC SP member utilities, including its design principles, potential funding pathways, stakeholder landscape, and associated risks.

You will work in the Water and Sanitation Division within the Infrastructure and Energy (INE) department. The Water and Sanitation Division (WSA) seeks to ensure universal and sustainable access to high-quality water, sanitation, and solid waste management services to contribute to sustainable economic growth in IDB member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and to improving the quality of life of their citizens. Priority areas include: (i) expanding access to quality services for low-income and vulnerable populations, and promoting comprehensive and sustainable solutions; (ii) improve sector governance and financial sustainability and (iii) incorporate the concept of water security in the sector, particularly by increasing coverage of wastewater treatment, protecting supply basins, and reducing flood risks.

This consultancy will be financed with the resources of the technical cooperation RG-T4777 “Strengthening and Expansion of CWUIC to Enhance Resiliency in the Water and Sanitation Sector in the Caribbean”.

What you’ll do

As CWUIC SP subsidization mechanism Consultant, you will:

• Conduct a targeted review of existing sustainable subsidy mechanisms and relevant financing approaches on similar facilities across the region and world.

• Develop a framework for the design and implementation of a subsidy mechanism tailored to the CWUIC context, including what aspects need to be considered for a subsidization mechanism (e.g., eligibility criteria, targeting approach, sustainability, alignment with CCRIF and CWUIC structures, donor requirements).

• Facilitate a discussion process with CWUIC stakeholders, including CCRIF, to co-develop an initial subsidy mechanism proposal. The facilitation should include a high-level feasibility and risk assessment of the different subsidy mechanism options, including financial, operational, and institutional considerations.

• Initiate early-stage engagement with potential funding sources to assess interest and alignment (e.g., GCF, Loss and Damage Fund).

• Prepare an initial concept note outlining the proposed subsidy mechanism, including its rationale, structure, and potential funding pathways.

• Develop presentation materials to communicate the proposed approach to key stakeholders and potential funding partners.

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Management, Disaster Risk Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.
• Experience: At least five years' progressive professional experience in similar activities with a focus on feasibility assessments, financial and institutional analysis, and/or advisory work in the water, climate, or infrastructure sectors. Experience working with international financing mechanisms, particularly climate funds, multilateral development banks, or similar, is highly desirable. Proven ability to facilitate dialogue and coordinate inputs among multiple stakeholders. Familiarity with parametric insurance and/or risk financing instruments is considered an asset.
• Languages: Proficiency in English.

Requirements

• Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48-member countries.
• 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

• Type of contract: Products and External Services Consultant (PEC)
• Length of contract:  6 months
• Work Location: Remote.

What we offer

Our culture

At the IDB Group we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work, willing to try new approaches without fear, and where they are accountable and rewarded for their actions.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) are at the center of our organization. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and encourage women, LGBTQ+ people, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job interview process. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected]  to request reasonable accommodation to complete this application.