Research Economics Lead Specialist/ Senior Specialist, Washington DC

• Organization: IDB - Inter-American Development Bank
• Country: United States
• City: Washington
• Office: IDB Washington
• Follow @UNjobs

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) | 1300 New York Avenue, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20577, USA | Tel: (202) 623-1000 | Fax: (202) 623-3096

Closing date: Friday, 26 August 2016

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Research Economist Lead Specialist/Sr. Specialist
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the largest source of financing for development in Latin America and the Caribbean, is looking to identify and interview Ph.D.-level economists to work in its Research Department (RES) or other areas of the Bank. The search will be for a Lead/Sr. Specialist. We are looking to interview research economists in the fields of macroeconomics and public economics including taxation and international finance although we are also interested in receiving applications from all areas of economics.
Economists in RES pursue policy-related analytical work that informs the Bank regarding development challenges and appropriate policy responses and improves the effectiveness and relevance of the Bank's operations in its member countries. They also publish regularly in academic journals.
Key Responsibilities

• Participates in providing direction to the department's research agenda.
• Leads and conducts economic research, identifying particular challenges and issues, applying theoretical and/or empirical economic analysis and developing policy recommendations.
• Leads and/or participates in the conception, organization and publication of Bank publications such as the annual Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report and the flagship of the Bank known as Development in the Americas, leveraging internal and external resources and addressing new research issues to encourage policy discussions and enhance the visibility and impact of the Bank.
• Coordinates and/or reviews and evaluates the academic work of outside researchers (consultants and research institutions hired through the IDB's Latin American Research Network or otherwise), ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality.
• Presents research to academic and non-academic audiences to refine analytical papers for eventual publication.
• Builds, coordinates and leverages networks for disseminating research findings, promoting cooperative research initiatives, and discussing policy issues within and outside the Bank.
• Provides technical guidance, coaching and mentoring to more junior staff.
• Oversees deliverables of more junior staff
• Education: Ph.D. in Economics completed at the time of appointment.
• Experience: Ph.D. graduates with at least six years of relevant experience. Years worked during the Ph.D. may count as relevant experience. We expect the successful candidate to possess: (1) strong technical skills; (2) a record of—or good prospects for—high-quality original research in peer-reviewed journals; and (3) ability to communicate technical knowledge and expertise to a wide range of potential audiences. Preference will be given to candidates 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.
• Language: Fluent in at least two official Bank languages (English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish).
• Nationality: Candidates must be a national of one of the IDB's member countries.

Technical Competencies

• Economic Analysis and Research: Demonstrates a command of statistics, econometrics and economic theory, and the ability to design, conduct and evaluate economic research.
• Results Management: Critically analyzes and validates the economic data, assumptions, and design underlying IDB projects and programs, and ensures their efficient and successful coordination, implementation and evaluation.
• Knowledge Management and Dissemination: Effectively disseminates research findings and provides advice on economic trends and development needs.
• Relationship Management: Develops ongoing relationships with government counterparts, internal stakeholders, academia, and relevant third parties to better inform IDB priorities and the formulation of sound economic strategy and approaches.
• Country/Sector Knowledge: Understands the main development challenges and policies of countries and/or sectors and the implications for IDB country and/or sector strategies and programs.
• Alignment and Coordination: Aligns efforts across the matrix organization to promote a unified and service oriented approach to clients.

Core Competencies

• Collaboration, Teamwork and Inclusion: Works cooperatively with others independent of background (e.g., gender, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, background, perspective) or organizational role, and takes a team-based and inclusive approach to projects and decision making.
• Innovation and Creativity: Develops imaginative ideas and solutions through creativity, experimentation and critical thinking.
• Communication and Influence: Communicates effectively and leverages relationships and strategies to influence others.
• Client Focus: Understands client needs and provides services that meet their expectations for quality and performance; meets the Bank's expectations for ethical behavior.

Selection Process
When applying online, a cover letter, CV and job market paper must be submitted along with the application. At the same time, three academic reference letters must be emailed to research@iadb.org.
Please note that applications will not be considered complete until all the information has been received.
The IDB offers a competitive benefits and compensation package.
The IDB is committed to diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities in employment. We embrace diversity on the basis of gender, age, education, national origin, ethnic origin, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and HIV/AIDs status. We encourage women, Afro-descendants and persons of indigenous origins to apply.