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 Social Sector at the IDB is currently looking for a strategic, people leader and highly motivated individual to be the Sector Economic Advisor, reporting directly to the Sector Manager in the Vice Presidency of Sectors and Knowledge (VPS).

The Social Sector (SCL) is a multidisciplinary team that invests in people as the way to improve lives and overcome the development challenges in the countries we serve. It formulates public policy solutions to reduce poverty and improve the delivery of education, lifelong learning and public employment services, social protection, and health services. Our objective is to advance to a more productive and equal region, with equal opportunities for men and women, and greater inclusion of the most vulnerable groups.

What you’ll do

• Lead cutting edge research to support an innovative and relevant operational program on social areas.  
• Oversee the strategic direction of the research, multi-annual knowledge agenda and the dissemination strategy of SCL.
• Coordinate the formulation and strategic direction of SCL multi-annual knowledge program of analytical studies, in conjunction with the Sector Manager, Division Chiefs and knowledge coordinators within each division and supervise the analytical work of staff and external consultants, assuring high standards of technical quality of the knowledge products.  
• Provide support and guidance to the Sector Manager, Division Chiefs and staff working on the SCL knowledge program to optimize information exchange and the adoption of good practices.
• Provide substantial input to the preparation and dissemination of the Thematic Framework Documents and other sector strategic documents, assuring high standards of technical quality in coordination with other areas of the IDB Group (IDBG), multilateral organizations, governments, and academic institutions.
• Represent SCL in the Bank's Knowledge Advisory Committee.  
• Actively seek the creation of knowledge networks within the IDBG, with other development partners, and with think tanks, universities, and public and private sector institutions within and outside the region.  
• Advise SCL divisions 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 sector issues for the region between SCL and high-ranking public officials, research organizations, and public and private sector institutions.  
• Advise Management on the development of strategies, policies, and guidelines for the Bank on social issues, with special focus on adapting to the specific needs of the different borrowing member countries.
• Actively seek to disseminate relevant cutting-edge academic research and facilitate knowledge exchange between IDBG divisions and departments. 
• Coordinate with the Department of Research and Chief Economist (RES) to work on joint knowledge products, including RES’ flagship report “Development in the Americas”. 
• Interact with the Vice Presidency of Countries and Regional Integration (VPC) on knowledge generation and coordinate SCL participation in country development challenges.
• Provide periodic updates to the VPS Knowledge Principal Advisor on the implementation of the multiannual knowledge agenda.

What you'll need

Education: Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy or other relevant fields.

Experience:  

• At least 15 years of relevant experience related to the key responsibilities of the position.
• You are recognized as a leader and authority among peers in the field.
• You have a shown experience in similar positions, preferably in Latin America and the Caribbean, including broad experience, at a similar level, in coordinating multidisciplinary teams to develop complex projects in a matrix structure environment, with strong technical background.
• You combine strong intellectual leadership with: a) a track record of successfully designing or/and implementing projects and programs in the areas described above, and b) broad experience in working with knowledge networks and knowledge dissemination and management.
• Publications: significant publication record on social issues, preferably on Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish, oral and written, is required. French and Portuguese are a plus.

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

Type of contract: Fixed -Term

Length of contract: 36 months 

Starting date: As soon as possible

Location: IDB Headquarters in Washington, DC.

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 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 work schedules.
• Health and well-being: Access to our Health Services Center that 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.

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.