Research Economist Senior​/Lead Specialist

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Research Economist Senior/Lead Specialist
September 7, 2025

Post of duty:
Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

We improve lives

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 PhD-level economists who are familiar with the development challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean and want to make a difference in the development of the region. The candidates should possess: (1) strong technical skills; (2) a record of–or good prospects for—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.

The successful candidates will work in our Research Department (RES). This call is open to the fields of Macroeconomics. We particularly seek a combination of a thorough academic approach with the potential to publish, as well as a strong interest in policy issues.

• Participate in providing leadership and direction to the department’s research agenda.
• Coordinate and conduct economic research, identifying particular 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.
• Lead and/or 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.
• Leverage internal and external resources and address new research issues to inspire policy discussions and enhance the visibility and impact of our work.
• Disseminate research results to academic and non-academic audiences, highlighting possible policy implications and adjusting the language and focus on the audience.
• Coordinate and/or review and evaluate the academic work of outside researchers (consultants and research institutions hired through the IDB’s Latin American Research Network), ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality.
• Build and coordinate networks for disseminating research findings, promoting collaborative research initiatives, and discussing policy issues within and outside the Bank.
• Provide technical guidance to more junior staff.
• Coach and mentor others.

• Education: Ph.D. degree in Economics required.
• Experience: You have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience for a Senior Specialist and 6 years of relevant professional experience for a Lead Specialist.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and one of the other Bank official languages (Spanish, French or Portuguese) is required.

• 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.

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

• 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 that 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 …