Research Economist (Specialist/Sr Specialist)– Washington, DC

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 looking for an economics’ researcher who is familiar with the development challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean who wants to make a difference in the development of the region. Do your peers recognize you as someone who possesses: (1) strong technical skills; (2) a record of–or good prospects for—high-quality, original research in peer-reviewed journals; and (3) the ability to communicate with a wide range of potential audiences? Join the Research Department and the team of the Chief Economist!

You will work in our Research Department (RES) or other areas of the organization. This call is open to all areas of economics, but we particularly seek a combination of thorough academic approach and the potential to publish as well as a strong interest on policy issues. We are considering Ph.D. candidates, as well as those who have recently graduated.

What you’ll do:

Conduct economic research, identifying challenges and issues, applying theoretical and/or empirical economic analysis and developing policy recommendations. Contribute to the development of new or revised tools and methodologies of economic analysis. Present research to academic and non-academic audiences and refine research papers in the light of comments for eventual publication in refereed journals. Coordinate and/or review and evaluate the academic work of outside researchers (consultants and research institutions hired through the Latin American Research Network or otherwise), ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality. Develop networks for disseminating research findings, promoting cooperative research initiatives, and discussing policy issues within and outside the Bank. Participate in the conceptualization, production, and dissemination of publications such as the annual Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report and the flagship publication known as Development in the Americas, by using internal and external resources and addressing new research issues to encourage policy discussions and enhance the visibility and impact of our work.

What you'll need

Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48-member countries. Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB Group. Education: Ph.D. in Economics required (completed at the time of appointment). Experience: You have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. We are considering future Ph.D. graduates and those who have recently graduated. Preference will be given to individuals who combine a strong academic profile with an interest in policy and who have worked on topics relevant to development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Languages: You have a good working knowledge of at least two official Bank languages (English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish).

Selection panel members will conduct interviews soon after the call for applications is finished during December and January. A cover letter, CV, and job market paper must be submitted along with the application. Additionally, three (3) academic reference letters must be e-mailed to RESJobs@iadb.org. The deadline for applying is December 2nd, 2024.

Key skills

Learn continuously Collaborate and share knowledge Focus on clients Communicate and influence Innovate and try new things

Type of contract and duration

International staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.

What we offer:

The IDB group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee’s life. These benefits include:

A competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary expressed on a net- of-tax basis Leaves and vacations: 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender- neutral parental leave Health Insurance: IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program which covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs. Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future. We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family, when it applies. Hybrid and flexible work schedules Health and wellbeing: Access to our Health Services Center which provides preventive care and health education for employees. Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others. Other perks: Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, and others.

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 diversity@iadb.org to request reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

Our Human Resources Team reviews carefully every application.

About the IDB Group

The IDB Group, composed of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), IDB Invest, and the IDB Lab offers flexible financing solutions to its member countries to finance economic and social development through lending and grants to public and private entities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

About IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts groundbreaking research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.

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