Regional Economic Advisor / Economics - Technical Leader / Principal Advisor
Southern Cone Country Department (CSC)
IDB Headquarters โ Washington, D.C.
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 experienced and knowledgeable economist who will help us change peopleโs lives in Latin America and the Caribbean, sharing applied knowledge and leveraging the impact of our knowledge products to strengthen our operations.
What youโll do:
Lead and assess innovative research to determine what relevant issues IDB should pursue in its regional and country research agenda, strategy formulation, and operational program.
Contribute to the design of operations by providing substantial input through the utilization of best practices, empirical evidence, and economic theory.
Help the IDB gain a broader view of economic issues to promote innovation, creative thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
Build networks with international organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, government officials, and professional bodies to exchange information, promote research initiatives, and expand the influence of the IDB.
Lead economic policy dialogue and broad discussions on substantive development issues with senior policymakers, thereby influencing policy discussion through advanced knowledge of sector and/or economic issues.
Advise in the identification of critical issues for the Regional Policy Dialogue and promote quality enhancement of this key instrument to strengthen the dialogue on the most pressing issues for the region between CSC and high-ranking public officials, research organizations, and public and private sector institutions.
Articulate technically sound and compelling analyses for the formulation of IDB strategies, presenting relevant data and arguments in support of the position.
Lead a team of economists to perform advanced macroeconomic analysis in the region, contribute to the design of operations, and support the country dialogue, using innovative techniques assuring high standards of the technical quality of the knowledge products.
Develop and oversee the knowledge program of analytical studies of CSC, focused on knowledge applied to IDB Group operations. Ensure that the knowledge products are of high technical quality and properly aligned with management objectives.
Lead the dissemination of such knowledge products within and outside the IDB Group in a broad and effective manner, identifying target audiences and appropriate communication media to reinforce IDBโs positioning in the region.
Work collaboratively with colleagues within the IDB Group to coordinate the economic programs, knowledge products, and initiatives to bring to bear their strategic development impact and optimize information exchange and the adoption of good practice.
Identify the needs and interests of clients and partners and work to align them with the IDBโs economic strategy and goals.
Represent CSC in the Bank's Studies and Publications Committee.
Coordinate with the Department of Research and Chief Economist (RES) to work on joint knowledge products.
Interact with the Vice Presidency of Countries (VPC) on knowledge generation.
What you'll need
Education: Ph.D. in Economics degree from a recognized university. Outstanding professional background and strong technical competencies.
Experience: At least 15 years of senior-level experience, either in private or public/ government institutions, in high-level economic roles. At least 10 years of relevant professional experience as a leading economist in organizations concerned with the development and macroeconomic issues in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) or as an established researcher working on relevant economic issues in LAC and other emerging and developing regions. Proven experience in addressing high-level national authorities and conveying highly technical issues, with context-specific pertinence and a clear understanding of political economy issues. Supervisory capacity.
Publications: Solid publications on economic issues relevant to Southern Cone economiesโ track record, focusing on applied knowledge. Ability to disseminate broadly and effectively the results of those publications. Of special interest are expertise in areas such as Gender, Youth, Diversity, Inclusion, Climate Change, Sustainability, and Institutional strengthening.
Languages: Excellent communication skills. Proficiency in English and Spanish. Knowledge of Portuguese would be desirable.
Other: Willingness to travel, ability to work in a multicultural environment, outstanding interpersonal skills.
Key skills
Mentor and develop Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Focus on clients Communicate and influence Innovate and try new thingsRequirements
Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48 member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents.
Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.
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 employeeโs life. These benefits include:
A competitive compensation package.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 that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and supports 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 well-being: 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 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 a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.
Our Human Resources Team reviews every application carefully.
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 cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance, and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.