The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Director, Resilience & Climate Action Department, based at its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This senior executive position offers a unique opportunity to shape climate action, resilience, disaster risk management, environmental sustainability, women and youth empowerment, and social development initiatives across the Bank’s 57 Member Countries (MCs).

Reporting directly to the Director-General, Global Practices and Partnerships, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, oversee multidisciplinary teams, strengthen global partnerships, and guide the implementation of innovative development programmes that advance sustainable and resilient development.

About the Role

The Director will lead the Resilience & Climate Action Department (RCA), providing strategic oversight across several thematic areas critical to IsDB’s development agenda.

The department’s work covers:

• Climate Change
• Environment and Social Safards
• Fragility, Conflict and Resilience (FCR)
• Disaster Risk Management
• Emergency Relief
• Civil Society and NGO Engagement
• Women’s Empowerment
• Youth Development

The Director will oversee the following divisions:

• Climate Change & Environment Division
• Fragility & Resilience Division
• Women & Youth Empowerment Division

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

The Director will:

• Develop and implement departmental strategies aligned with the IsDB Corporate Strategy.
• Lead annual and medium-term planning.
• Establish departmental priorities and performance indicators.
• Guide implementation of climate resilience and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management.

Policy Development

Responsibilities include:

• Leading policy development across resilience and climate action.
• Supporting Member Country Partnership Strategies.
• Preparing policy briefs and strategic guidance.
• Monitoring global developments in sustainability and resilience.
• Integrating cross-cutting themes into Bank operations.

Climate and Resilience Programming

The successful candidate will oversee programmes focused on:

• Climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Environmental sustainability.
• Disaster preparedness.
• Emergency response.
• Fragility and conflict recovery.
• Capacity development.
• Women and youth inclusion.
• Civil society partnerships.

Partnership Development

The Director will strengthen relationships with:

• Governments.
• International development partners.
• NGOs.
• Civil society organizations.
• Multilateral institutions.
• Internal IsDB departments.

The role also includes representing IsDB at international conferences and high-level forums.

Leadership and People Management

The successful candidate will:

• Lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Coach and mentor senior managers.
• Build organizational capability.
• Drive performance management.
• Foster collaboration across departments.
• Support recruitment and talent development.

Operational Oversight

The Director will also:

• Monitor departmental performance.
• Oversee budgets and resource allocation.
• Improve operational processes.
• Develop monitoring frameworks.
• Coordinate major Bank-wide resilience initiatives.
• Support sustainable finance programmes, including Sukuk initiatives.

Required Skills

The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in:

• Climate Change
• Environmental Sustainability
• Disaster Risk Management
• Fragility, Conflict and Resilience
• Women’s Empowerment
• Youth Development
• Civil Society Engagement
• Sustainable Development
• Project Design
• Programme Management
• Policy Development
• Strategic Planning
• Partnership Building
• Economic Analysis
• Risk Management
• Organizational Leadership

Strong leadership, integrity, stakeholder management, communication, and decision-making skills are essential.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Master’s degree or PhD in Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Conflict and Development, Social Development, Economics, or a related field.

Professional Experience

Candidates should have:

• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of 7 years in leadership or supervisory roles.
• At least 5 years working within a development institution.
• Proven experience leading large multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex international development programmes.

Why Join the Islamic Development Bank?

Working with IsDB offers an opportunity to contribute to transformative development across 57 Member Countries, supporting projects that address climate resilience, sustainable development, poverty reduction, and social inclusion.

As one of the world’s leading multilateral development finance institutions, IsDB maintains a AAA credit rating and partners with governments, development agencies, and international organizations to deliver high-impact programmes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This leadership role allows experienced professionals to influence policies, shape global partnerships, and deliver solutions that improve lives across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Updated Resume/CV.
• Copy of Passport.
• Academic Certificates.

Apply Here 

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 30 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

Conclusion

The Director, Resilience & Climate Action Department position at the Islamic Development Bank is an outstanding opportunity for experienced international development leaders passionate about climate action, resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

Leading strategic initiatives across 57 member countries, the successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing climate resilience, strengthening partnerships, and delivering impactful programmes that improve lives and support sustainable development worldwide.

Professionals with extensive leadership experience in international development and climate-related sectors are encouraged to apply before 30 July 2026.

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