Research Economist Specialist

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 an economics researcher familiar with the development challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean who wants to make a difference in the development of the region. Do your peers recognize you as someone who possesses: (1) strong technical skills; (2) a record of–or good prospects for—high-quality, original research in peer-reviewed journals; and (3) the ability to communicate with a wide range of potential audiences? Join the Research Department and the team of the Chief Economist and Economic Counselor of the IDB.

This call is open to all areas of economics. We particularly seek a combination of thorough academic approach and the potential to publish, as well as a strong interest in current policy issues. We welcome applications from Ph.D. candidates, as well as recent Ph.D. graduates.

What you’ll do

• Conduct economic research, identifying challenges and issues, applying theoretical and/or empirical economic analysis and developing policy recommendations. Contribute to the development of new or revised tools and methodologies of economic analysis.
• Actively participate in and contribute to the conceptualization, writing, production, and dissemination of publications such as the annual Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report and the flagship publication known as Development in the Americas, by using internal and external resources and addressing new research issues to encourage policy discussions and enhance the visibility and impact of our work.
• Contribute to the preparation of economic analysis and policy advice for senior management, translating research and economic evidence into clear and actionable messages for a range of institutional and external engagements.
• Present research to academic and non-academic audiences and refine research papers in the light of comments for eventual publication in refereed journals.
• Develop networks for disseminating research findings, promoting cooperative research initiatives, and discussing policy issues within and outside the Bank.

What you'll need

• Education: Masters degree required, PhD in Economics strongly preferred
• Experience: You have at least 4 years of relevant experience. We are considering future Ph.D. graduates as well as those who have recently graduated. Preference will be given to individuals who combine a strong academic profile with an interest in policy and who have worked on topics relevant to development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and one of the other Bank official languages (Spanish, French or Portuguese) is required.

Members of the selection panel will conduct interviews soon after the call for applications is finished, during December and January. A cover letter and CV must be uploaded into our system. Additionally, upload a copy of your CV, job market paper and three (3) academic reference letters using the American Economic Association JOE platform (https://www.aeaweb.org/joe/listings). The deadline for applying is November 15, 2026. Inquiries can be sent to RESJobs@iadb.org.

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 Group.

Type of contract and duration

• 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 which 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.
• On-site position with the occasional flexibility of teleworking.
• Health and wellbeing: Access to our Health Services Center which 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 Group, 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.