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

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking consultants to support the production of the 2026 Annual Flagship Report on Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. The IDB’s 2026 flagship report will explore how governments in Latin America and the Caribbean can leverage digitalization and AI to foster growth, well-being, and equity. The report is structured in two parts. The first part examines cross-cutting issues relevant across sectors, including a conceptual framework for understanding the digital transformation process, current levels of technology adoption, the main barriers to adoption and strategies to overcome them, as well as the broader effects of digitalization and AI on labor markets—particularly in terms of productivity, employment and inequality. The second part of the report focuses on sector-specific opportunities and challenges, analyzing the role of digital technologies in areas such as education, health, social protection, taxation, and private sector development. Through rigorous evidence, robust conceptual analysis, and concrete policy examples, the report aims to provide actionable recommendations to support governments in navigating this technological transformation effectively.

The consultants will play a key role in supporting the research and drafting of individual chapters of the report. Specifically, the consultants will work with chapter authors to conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, draft and edit technical sections, and help develop policy recommendations. The consultants may also assist in coordinating contributions from internal and external experts.

We are looking for motivated and experienced research assistants with expertise in one or more of the areas covered by the report, including but not limited to: digitalization, artificial intelligence, labor markets, productivity, education, health, social protection, basic infrastructure (energy, transport, water), taxation, administrative services, citizen security and private sector development, including the technological sector. Ideal candidates should have strong analytical skills, a solid background in economics or public policy, and experience conducting applied research or policy analysis.

What you’ll do

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize relevant evidence to support the drafting of chapters.
• Compile, clean, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data related to digitalization and AI.
• Assist in drafting and editing background papers and chapters for the flagship report.
• Contribute to the development of policy-relevant messages grounded in rigorous evidence.
• Support the organization of expert workshops and consultations.
• Help coordinate and integrate inputs from multiple contributors.
• Prepare supporting materials, including presentations and summary documents.

What you'll need

• Education: Bachelors’ or equivalent degree in economics, public policy, or related field. Candidates should have a strong quantitative background. Master’s degree is preferrable.
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in economics, public policy or related field. The consultant must have experience doing economic research. Knowledge of statistics and econometrics packages such as Stata is required.
• Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable.

Key Skills:

• Experience conducting applied research at a university, research center, or government agency
• Strong background in econometrics and statistics
• Experience in performing literature reviews
• Experience in applied econometric methodologies
• Experience with econometric packages such as Stata and R

Requirements

•    Citizenship: You are either citizen of one of our 48-member countries with residency or legal permit to work.

•    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

• Type of contract: Products and External Services Consultant (PEC)
• Period of contract (months): 5 months 

What we offer

Our culture

At the IDB, we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work while finding their purpose. Our people consistently strive for excellence, and we recognize and celebrate the impact of their contributions.

In our efforts to drive innovation, we intentionally include all voices, cultivate a sense of belonging and champion fairness. We welcome individuals from underrepresented groups to join us and share their unique perspectives.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at accommodations@iadb.org.