Director, Resilience & Climate Action Department

Title: Director, Resilience & Climate Action Department

Business Unit: Operations - Global Practices and Partnerships Directorate

Department: Resilience and Climate Action

Country: Saudi Arabia

Location: Jeddah HQ

Job Grade: M3

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Closing Date: 30-Jul-2026

Job Purpose

The Director will provide leadership, set strategic direction, ensure resource availability and coordinate activities for thematic areas (i) Climate Change, (ii) Environment and Social Safeguards, (iii) Fragility, Conflict, and Resilience (FCR) affected situations, (iv) Disaster Risk Management, (v) Emergency Relief, (vi) NGOs/CSOs and third sector, (vii) Women Empowerment, and (viii) Youth Development in MCs. The incumbent will lead the Climate Change & Environment Division, Fragility and Resilience Division, and Women & Youth Empowerment Division, report to the Director‑General GPP, undertake annual planning, ensure the Department achieves its KPIs, develop solutions and advisory work, lead implementation and administration of policies, deliver projects/programs in MCs, and advise management on strategic engagement.

Key Accountabilities

Policy, Strategy and Planning

• Serve as a high‑level focal point and resource center for all thematic matters within the Bank and the IsDB Group.
• Provide thematic leadership in preparing Member Countries Partnership Strategies.
• Provide inputs to management, coordination, and implementation related to the Bank Corporate Strategy focus areas.
• Give technical guidance and oversee portfolio monitoring teams, integrating indicators, metrics and tools for monitoring results.
• Lead external partnership activities to improve visibility and develop networks.
• Collaborate with other thematic teams to disseminate tailored knowledge and ensure cross‑cutting issues are addressed.
• Ensure Department shares key knowledge and learning outcomes.
• Lead development of short‑ and medium‑term global plans and programs for MCs.
• Direct preparation of policy briefs and notes; keep abreast of international developments across 57 MCs.
• Oversee development of KPIs for action plans of the thematic areas.
• Provide strategic contribution to annual budgeting, resources, and allocation.
• Identify business process improvements and update the Operations Manual.
• Represent IsDB in local and international forums on climate, environment, women empowerment, youth development, capacity development, fragility, conflict, resilience, disaster risk management and civil society engagement.
• Coordinate work of all RCA Divisions and internal units of the Bank and Directorate.
• Support dissemination of knowledge and expertise to support project preparation and implementation.
• Review annual and multi‑year plans and support execution of annual programs.
• Coordinate with IsDB Group entities on major group‑wide programs and initiatives related to the RCA Department.
• Contribute to thematic units in Sukuk programs under the Sustainable Finance Framework with Treasury.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervise Department and thematic practices with high standards of integrity and excellence.
• Align with the Director‑General for overall direction of the Department.
• Ensure strong collaboration with Global Practices and Country Programming.
• Develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; act as spokesperson on all RC and CA matters.
• Support Division Heads in capacity development and recruitment.
• Provide thought leadership on impact measurement and monitoring practices.
• Manage work‑program delivery of the three Divisions and oversee staff advisory services.
• Provide motivational and inspirational leadership and communicate clear performance expectations.
• Manage and lead Department staff, provide regular feedback and support to improve performance.
• Monitor and assess staff skills and capabilities; determine actions to improve impact.
• Develop and mentor direct reports and high‑potential staff.
• Communicate IsDB values and leadership competencies; provide direction during change.
• Generate commitment and enthusiasm for RC and CA goals.
• Provide clear direction, prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor workflow.
• Plan, manage, and review individual performance and provide regular coaching.

Reporting & Communication

• Oversee preparation of progress reports on thematic activities in compliance with Bank rules and procedures.
• Manage performance and resources of the RCA Department through delegation, setting objectives, and providing feedback.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in environmental sciences, social sciences, conflict and development, social development, economics, or related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in thematic areas including climate change, women empowerment, youth development, fragility, conflict, resilience, development, social development, NGOs/practice.
• 7+ years of managerial/supervisory experience, including 5+ years with a Developmental Institution.
• Languages: English (mandatory), Arabic (preferable), French (preferable).

Skills & Necessary Knowledge

• Climate Change
• Women and Youth Empowerment
• Fragility, Conflict, Resilience (FCR)
• Civil Society and NGOs Engagement
• Project Design for Impact and Sustainability
• Project Management
• Thematic Policy and Strategy Formulation and Advisory
• Policies and Procedures
• Thematic/Country Dialogue and Work
• IsDB Financing Instruments
• Partnership Management
• Economic Analysis and Assessment
• Ability to adapt to changing business circumstances and maintain effective performance of complex tasks.
• Ability to draw actionable steps from IsDB strategy.
• High integrity and ethics, confidentiality and protection of sensitive information.
• Maintain a rational and objective demeanor in stressful situations.
• Carry out performance evaluations at sub‑complex and direct‑report levels.
• Plan and prioritize work tasks.
• Influence others, identify basis for compromise and reach agreements.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Consistently pursue high standards and improve current working practices and processes.