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 a quantitative, research-driven, and policy-oriented Economics Consultant. As an Economics Consultant, you will conduct rigorous economic research, perform advanced econometric analysis on infrastructure and energy data, and translate findings into high-impact policy insights and knowledge products that inform decision-making across the sector.

The Infrastructure and Energy Sector (INE) is responsible for conceptualizing, preparing, supporting execution, and supervising the IDB’s operations related to energy, transport, and water and sanitation. Its functions include preparing sector policies, strategies, operational guidelines, and programs in infrastructure and energy; conducting research and analytical work, best practices, and case studies; and providing specialized technical support to country operations. INE works with country departments to design and execute financial and non-financial programs and projects and evaluates development results. The sector also performs quality enhancement functions, including guidance on execution, and analysis and mitigation of risks. INE is comprised of the Energy Division, the Transport Division, the Water and Sanitation Division, the Social Infrastructure Group, and the Public-Private Partnerships Group. Within INE, the Knowledge Team leads the identification and development of analytical work and research products using robust theoretical and empirical tools to inform policy design and decision-making in infrastructure and energy. The team develops knowledge products and technical assistance programs for LAC countries, producing research that informs policymakers and participants in infrastructure and energy markets, including consumers, utilities, and regulators.

What you’ll do

• Write papers with quality standards compatible with publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Design, prepare, and deliver research products, reports, and policy briefs as an author, co-author, or team member.
• Undertake research in the sector’s areas of focus to support innovative and operationally relevant programs and policy and technical dialogues.
• Conduct complementary research activities, including compiling and organizing databases; performing econometric and statistical analyses; designing and supporting surveys and economic experiments; analyzing structured and unstructured data; preparing literature reviews; and communicating findings using visualization and other means.
• Synthesize and translate research findings into policy implications and best practices to promote data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with calls for proposals for infrastructure and energy studies, prepare terms of reference and contract packages, and support evaluation of firm performance.
• Provide operational management assistance to research and data projects, supervise implementation, follow up on activities, and perform quality control on deliverables.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis on infrastructure and energy issues.

What you'll need

• Education: Master's (or equivalent advanced degree) in Economics or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.
• Experience: At least Five (5) years of progressive experience in conducting research on infrastructure and energy economics using robust theoretical and empirical tools. Previous experience collaborating with household surveys and/or firm level data is essential.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, is required.

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 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 package.
• 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 well-being: Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for 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 with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at accommodations@iadb.org.