Job Description
Risk Specialist
City:  Washington DC
Company:  IDB
Posting End Date:  8/22/2025

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 proactive, creative, research-driven, and committed Risk Senior Associate/Specialist – Quantitative Analysis to support the measurement and analysis of financial and non-financial risks, including those related to the Bank’s derivatives portfolio. The selected candidate will also contribute to the design and implementation of the IADB's Systemic Risk Framework, including the development of methodologies, reporting tools, and monitoring processes. Additionally, the candidate is expected to contribute to the Office of Risk Management's (RMG) research agenda on financial and non-financial risk management at the Bank.

You will work in the Systemic and Multi-factor Risk Management Group (SRM), part of the Office of Risk Management (RMG). RMG/SRM is a newly established quantitative group that identifies and assesses the impact of systemic financial and non-financial risks on the organization's strategic objectives. SRM contributes to the Bank’s knowledge agenda by producing research on financial and non-financial risks that impact the institution, and by developing quantitative models to support other groups within RMG. In addition, SRM leads efforts to digitize and automate risk-related processes across RMG.

What you’ll do

You will collaborate with other group members to develop innovative and effective risk management methodologies, models, and analytical solutions that support the Bank's risk management activities in a highly complex and dynamic market environment. You will implement work programs and projects to strengthen the framework for analyzing, measuring, and managing risks, including the functions listed below.

  • Support the development and enhancement of quantitative financial risk methodologies for derivatives in coordination with the Treasury and Risk Management Group (RMT). This includes working closely with RMT on the design and maintenance of credit and market risk models for derivatives. The candidate will also assist in maintaining oversight systems for calculating counterparty risk metrics and contribute to the quantitative analysis of risks across various financial instruments in the IDB’s derivatives, investment, and funding portfolios.
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of a potential new system for derivatives in collaboration with RMT, providing quantitative expertise to support its development. Help ensure a smooth transition from the existing system to the new platform.
  • Support RMT in the evaluation of new, complex, or illiquid financial structures, as well as the systems required to manage them. Assist in assessing the availability and adequacy of market data inputs—such as yield curves, volatilities, and other key parameters—needed to run risk models effectively.
  • Collaborate with the Systemic and Multi-Factor Risk Group to develop and research innovative systemic risk monitoring indicators and stress testing tools. Support the design of quantitative models and analyses that incorporate financial and non-financial risks —including multidimensional stress testing, scenario analysis, and robust decision-making frameworks— and contribute to research outputs related to these initiatives.
  • Contribute to the Bank’s research agenda on financial and non-financial risk management by conducting research on systemic risk management in multilateral development banks, the interconnections within the developing financing system, and broader topics related to financial and non-financial risks at the Bank. The candidate is expected to co-author with other risk professionals at the Bank.
  • Create and maintain thorough documentation for models and systems and contribute to regular reporting.
  • Assist in the development of automatized solutions for data processing and reporting.
  • Prepare presentations and documentation of automatized solutions and key findings.

What you'll need

  • Education: Ph.D. or master’s degree in mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a similar quantitatively oriented degree (Ph.D. preferred).
  • Experience and functional knowledge: [i] at least 3 of relevant experience in quantitative finance, statistics, mathematical modeling, or econometrics (Ph.D. research experience may be considered toward this requirement); [ii] at least 2 years of relevant working experience with quantitative models for financial derivatives, with a clear ability to learn complex credit and market risk models for derivatives is a plus; [iii] strong potential to contribute to risk management through creative problem-solving, rigorous analytical thinking, and a disciplined approach to quantitative analysis; [iv] knowledge of global financial markets products and interest to assess non financials risks including but not limited to ESG risks; [v] experience in the use of advanced techniques in quantitative analysis such as stochastic calculus, optimization, econometrics, and Monte Carlo simulation; [vi] ability to draft well-written, coherent analyses and proposals to senior management and to engage senior decision-makers on complex risk issues; [viii] proven ability to find practical solutions to complex problems.
  • Advanced computer skills, including the ability to program in various languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, C++, and Visual Basic. Familiarity with RDM, climate scenario models, Bayesian models, specialized risk models, or financial systems such as QRM and Summit is a plus.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present complex and technical issues in simple terms.
  • Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, or French is a plus.

Requirements

•    Citizenship:

    -    (IDB - International) 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: 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 offers employees and eligible dependents a comprehensive medical benefits program that includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs. 
  • Pension plan: a defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and supports employees in planning for their future. 
  • We assist 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, which offers preventive care and health education for employees. 
  • Development support: We offer tools to enhance your professional profile, including mentoring, one-on-one professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, and 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.