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 role focuses on providing evidence-based economic analysis to support the Division’s knowledge agenda and address institutional challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. It involves producing and coordinating high-quality, policy-relevant research to inform operations, policy dialogue, and institutional reforms. The consultant will work closely with the knowledge agenda lead to ensure timely delivery and alignment with priorities.

The position sits within the Institutional Capacity of the State Division, which strengthens public sector effectiveness—improving regulatory frameworks, digital transformation, service delivery, and the strategic use of public resources while promoting transparency and accountability.

The ideal candidate combines strong applied economics expertise, a proven track record in producing policy-relevant knowledge, and solid coordination and communication skills.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate with Division specialists to identify key economic and institutional priorities across thematic areas, pinpoint strategic knowledge gaps, and recommend practical, actionable solutions.
• Coordinate and contribute to knowledge generation on key topics across borrowing member countries
• Support the dissemination of knowledge, including events, communities of practice, and capacity-building activities: Oversee publication processes and ensure compliance with established protocols and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities for rigorous quantitative analysis, inc luding impact evaluations and other approaches that generate credible causal evidence.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge products, such as working papers and flagship publications, while also supporting the maintenance of a balanced knowledge portfolio across policy support, strategic positioning, and impact evaluation. Also support the dissemination of knowledge, including events, communities of practice, and capacity-building activities.
• Ensure high analytical standards, with outputs that are policy-relevant, methodologically sound, and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Support quality assurance processes and strengthen the evidence base through applied Support the preparation and implementation of the Knowledge Plan, ensuring alignment with sector priorities and corporate strategy, this includes: coordinate with operational teams and country office-based specialists, and facilitate collaboration with country economists, research teams, and other knowledge coordinators to ensure that knowledge responds to operational needs and promote joint work.
• Strengthen the link between analytical work and operations, ensuring knowledge informs project design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Support upstream analytical work and contribute to policy dialogue and institutional reform discussions with government counterparts. Build and maintain partnerships with governments, international organizations, academia, and other stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange and effectively position the Division’s work in relevant external forums.
• Contribute to the definition of metrics to assess the influence of knowledge on decision-making and operations. Monitor knowledge pipelines, delivery timelines, and alignment with priorities, while also supporting budget tracking for knowledge related activities

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree in economics or public policy (PhD degree is preferred). Candidates will be considered if they demonstrate a research background with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or flagship policy-oriented outlets.
• Experience: 10 years of relevant professional experience in areas related to public sector development, institutional capacity, governance, digital government, or regulatory policy. Strong analytical and technical background, including experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods applied to public policy and institutional strengthening; familiarity with the use of AI tools for research is desirable. Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex knowledge and research projects, ideally in an institutional or policy-oriented context. Experience translating analytical work into actionable policy recommendations and operational inputs
• Languages: Full proficiency in English and Spanish (spoken and written) is required. Proficiency in Portuguese is an asset.

Requirements

• 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 consultant Full-Time, 12 months (up to 48 months, subject to eligibility). 

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 packages.
• Leaves and vacations: 2 days per month of contract + gender-neutral parental leave.
• Health Insurance: the IDB Group provides a monthly allowance for the purchase of health insurance.
• Savings plan: ​​​​​​​The IDB Group cares about your future, depending on the length of the contract, you will receive a monthly savings plan allowance.
• We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
• On-site position with the occasional flexibility of teleworking.
• Development support: We offer learning opportunities to boost your professional profile such as seminars, 1:1 professional counseling, and much more.
• Health and wellbeing:  Access to our Health Services Center which provides preventive care and health education for all employees.
• Other office amenities (as available): Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, spouse career support, and others. 

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.