Manager, Human Development

About the Role

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is seeking a Manager for its Human Development Division at its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This fixed-term contract role operates under the Economic and Social Infrastructure Department, focusing on delivering strategic leadership and managing implementation of policies and programs related to social infrastructure and human development, including health, education, and nutrition sectors. The position involves approximately 20% travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical expert and key contact for human development and social infrastructure sectors across member countries.
• Lead the development of innovative solutions, oversee sector-specific analytical work, assess priority needs, and produce policy analyses to stay updated with international best practices.
• Gather inputs from global experts and regional hubs to periodically update the Bank's strategies on Human Development and Social Infrastructure.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management and collaborate with related departments to shape policies and strategies encompassing economic and social infrastructure.
• Offer technical support to regional hubs and country teams while preparing partnership strategies for member nations.
• Ensure all human development and social infrastructure projects adhere to strategy by reviewing documentation and guiding regional teams to align with the Bank’s pillar strategies.
• Support project implementation by providing expert assistance to sub-regional teams involved in relevant projects.
• Collaborate with multiple sectors to disseminate tailored knowledge ensuring crosscutting issues like capacity building, women's empowerment, and social and environmental factors are incorporated.
• Share knowledge and best practices internally, contributing to institutional learning related to social infrastructure.
• Help define key performance indicators for economic and social infrastructure strategies and monitor ongoing projects for compliance and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of the Bank’s policies and processes relevant to the Human Development division.
• Provide inspirational leadership, set clear performance goals, monitor and develop team capabilities, and address underperformance efficiently.
• Mentor and develop direct reports and foster a culture aligned with the Bank’s values and leadership competencies.
• Oversee progress reporting on social infrastructure activities, ensuring compliance with the Bank’s rules and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Health, Social Sciences, Nutrition, Education, Civil Engineering, Economics, or related fields is required.
• A PhD in Health or Education Sciences or a related discipline is highly preferred.
• Additional certifications such as PMP in Project Management are advantageous.
• At least 12 years of experience in the development sector, including a minimum of 7 years in health, nutrition, or education sectors, with management or supervisory responsibilities.
• Minimum of 5 years in general managerial roles.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong people and project management abilities.
• Expertise in quality and portfolio management.
• Results-driven with excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Capability in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and building effective relationships.
• Well-versed in global trends and challenges relevant to human development sectors.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory; Arabic and French language skills are preferred.

Application Details

Applicants interested in this position are encouraged to submit a resume/CV, a copy of their passport, and academic certificates. Current staff of IsDB applying internally who are selected will maintain their existing contract terms.

The IsDB strictly prohibits any form of payment or personal financial information during the recruitment process and disclaims any responsibility for fraudulent job postings in its name.