Research Economist (Principal / Lead Specialist)

Research Economist (Principal / Lead 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 a senior 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 high-quality, original research in peer-reviewed journals; (3) the ability to communicate with a wide range of potential audiences; and (4) an interest in policy issues in the region? Join the Research Department and the team of the Chief Economist!

You will work in our Research Department (RES). This call is open to the fields of Macroeconomics, International Finance, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, and Credit and Banking. We particularly seek an individual who not only possesses a strong publication record and policy engagement but who can mentor junior colleagues in publishing and provide advice on topical macroeconomic developments important for the region.

What you'll do:

• Conduct economic research, identifying challenges and issues, applying theoretical and/or empirical economic analysis, developing policy recommendations and generating knowledge in area of expertise that is recognized as standard setting for the industry/region.

• Advise or provide input to resolve highly complex technical problems in business area or field of expertise.

• Make technical recommendations which have a significant and long-term impact on business performance, area of expertise and/or development effectiveness.

• Lead the development and implementation of new or revised tools, methodologies, processes and/or policies that have an impact on the business, area of expertise and/or development effectiveness.

• Develop plans for the dissemination of knowledge products and policy recommendations, identifying target audiences and appropriate communication mediums.

• Present research to academic and non-academic audiences and refine research papers considering comments for eventual publication in refereed journals.

• Provide thought and strategic leadership to a network of practitioners in area of expertise across the IDB or at a regional level.

• Build networks with international organizations, academic institutions, and professional bodies to disseminate research, exchange relevant information, promote cooperative research initiatives, and expand the influence of the IDB.

• Lead/manage team members in a project management capacity, acting as a technical referent/head in projects of strategic input, high complexity, and ample scope such as 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.

• Lead 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.

• Conduct the department's research agenda in the desired direction collaboratively with management and other senior staff.

• Provide advice to IDB management on policy issues related to your research agenda.

• Coach and mentor junior staff and consultants.

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.

• Experience: You have at least 6 years of relevant professional experience. Preference will be given to individuals who combine a strong academic profile with an interest and experience 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).

Members of the selection panel will conduct interviews soon after the call for application is finished. A cover letter, CV, and a recent paper must be submitted along with the application. The deadline for applying is July 30, 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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