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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 Systemic Risk Group (RMG/SRM) at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking a senior research consultant to support the development of a Systemic Risk Framework for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). The consultant will work closely with IDB researchers to apply mathematical rigor and develop innovative quantitative methods for systemic risk measurement and management. This collaboration will culminate in a co-authored working paper on systemic risk management for MDBs, designed for both academic and policy audiences, and intended to serve as a foundation for systemic risk management at the IDB and across MDBs more broadly. The working paper may be further developed into an article for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, subject to IDB’s approval.

This opportunity is particularly well suited for a Ph.D. candidate or recent Ph.D. graduate in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Risk Analytics, or related quantitative disciplines. The ideal candidate will be interested in applied research within the multilateral development finance context, motivated to produce publishable research output, and eager to gain exposure to risk management challenges at a leading international financial institution.

The Systemic Risk Group (RMG/SRM) is responsible for identifying, monitoring, assessing, and communicating financial and non-financial systemic risks that may affect the IDB’s financial standing, development strategy, and operations. SRM plays an active role in safeguarding the IDB’s development delivery and financial strength by providing early warnings, supporting contingency planning, and informing management actions. SRM also leads RMG’s risk management research agenda and works with internal and external stakeholders to design multidimensional risk frameworks that are anticipatory, actionable, and decision useful.

What you’ll do

What you will do:

• Advises on the Systemic Risk Model, a major project within the Systemic Risk Management Group, by conducting joint research with IDB staff to advance the model and applying mathematical rigor to strengthen its quantitative foundations.
• Work from the design to the implementation of the Systemic Risk Management Model.
• Work independently on complex problems in Systemic Risk by doing independent research on this topic consistently applying creativity and independent judgment.
• Conduct reviews on the quality and mathematical soundness of the Systemic Risk Management Model including developing and documenting the formal mathematical foundations of the model, working on the assumptions and mathematical proofs.
• Co-author a research paper with IDB staff that outlines the Systemic Risk Model for MDBs and provides strategic recommendations.
• Present findings and intermediate results to IDB colleagues and senior stakeholders, engaging in feedback and refinement of the model with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop recommendations for enhanced systemic risk processes applicable to the IDB and other MDBs.
• Apply advanced data analysis and visualization techniques, including sensitivity analysis and robustness checks; support the integration of qualitative methods (interviews, surveys, expert elicitation) as needed.

What you'll need

• Education: Master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Risk Analytics, or related quantitative field from an accredited university. PhD is preferred. 
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience or a combination of education and experience in applied mathematics, statistics, risk analytics, or quantitative financial risk modeling. Research experience in quantitative financial models, development finance and/or systemic risk preferred. Extensive and current knowledge of relevant analytical tools and technical functions.
• Demonstrated ability to produce rigorous academic or applied research.
• Data science and analytics skills, including data visualization, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
• Strong programming skills (Python, R, C++, SQL, or similar).
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and coordinate across multiple time zones (US, Europe and Latin America); there may be possible opportunities for travel to HQ in Washington, DC.
• Languages: Proficiency in English 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 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 Part-Time, 3 months

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-A flexible way of working. You will be evaluated by deliverable.

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.