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

As part of the Vice-Presidency for Countries, the Southern Cone Country Department—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay—plays a pivotal role in monitoring macroeconomic developments across the region, analyzing the region’s economic and social challenges, and proposing policy recommendations to address them. The Department leads policy dialogue with borrowing countries, assesses the Bank’s financial exposure in the Southern Cone, and formulates comprehensive country strategies.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Economics Lead/Senior Specialist to contribute to our mission of assessing and addressing regional economic challenges through data-based analysis and the proposal of impactful solutions. Reporting directly to the Regional Economics Advisor, this role emphasizes the application of advanced economic expertise to enhance our operations by disseminating applied knowledge and maximizing the impact of our knowledge products.
The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional professional background, robust technical competencies, and outstanding communication skills. Proven experience in engaging effectively with country authorities, a deep understanding of political economy dynamics, a strong track record in producing and sharing applied knowledge, and demonstrated supervisory capabilities are essential for success in this role.

What you’ll do

Economic Analysis and Country Strategy Development
•    Collaborate closely with the Regional Economics Advisor to rigorously identify and address priority economic issues
•    Conduct or coordinate knowledge generation in key economic topics common to the Southern Cone countries
•    Identify development challenges and opportunities within the southern region (e.g., policy reforms and interventions that support sustainable economic development and poverty reduction)
•    Assess Country Development Challenges and their implications for policy formulation and implementation
•    Summarize strategic reports for stakeholders, ensuring transparency 
•    Act as technical point of contact for project design (capacity building and policy dialogue and support financial solutions (treasury products)
•    Support country economists and country teams in the preparation of economic inputs to support corporate products such as country strategies of regular macroeconomic assessments
Regional collaboration and coordination
•    Facilitate regular knowledge-sharing meetings with country economists and identify joint project opportunities with different regions, focusing on common challenges and issues to enhance effective collaboration among regional teams
 Impact of economic research through operational development
•    Supervise the operations team to ensure that generated economic research and documentation are relevant and valuable for the effective implementation of projects
•    Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify key metrics that allow for the evaluation of the impact of generated knowledge on operational strategies
•    Collaborate with the operations team and with sectoral teams in the field to ensure that generated economic research and documentation are relevant and valuable for the effective implementation of projects and to identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed.
 Capacity building and knowledge management
•    Facilitate training sessions and workshops to enhance the analytical skills and technical knowledge of staff involved in economic analysis and reporting, contributing to the documentation and codification of best practices and lessons learned
Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
•    Build partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and stakeholders to align priorities, leverage resources, and enhance development efforts
 Dialogue and stakeholders' relations
•    Maintain constant dialogue with governments of the region’s countries, ministers, official counterparts, etc.
•    Establish strong relationships with economists, financial analysts and representatives of other international organizations

What you'll need

Education: Ph.D. in Economics degree.
•    Experience:  At least 10 years of senior-level experience, either in private or public/ government institutions in high-level economic roles. At least 8 years of relevant professional experience as a   leading economist in organizations concerned with the development and macroeconomic issues in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), or as an established researcher working on relevant economic issues in LAC and other emerging and developing regions. Proven experience in addressing high-level national authorities and conveying highly technical issues, with context-specific pertinence and a clear understanding of political economy issues. Excellent communication skills. Supervisory capacity experience is desired.
•    Publications: Solid publications on economic issues relevant to Southern Cone economies track record, with focus on applied knowledge. Ability to disseminate broadly and effectively the results of those publications. 

 •    Languages:  Proficiency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of Portuguese would be desirable. 

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

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

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 supports 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.  
• Other perks: Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, 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.