Research Economics 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 Sr. Specialist/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 Specialist/Sr. Specialist. We are looking to interview research economists specialized in macroeconomics and public economics including taxation and international finance but we are also interested in receiving applications from all areas of economics.
RES economists pursue 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

• Conducts economic research, identifying particular challenges and issues, applying theoretical and/or empirical economic analysis and developing policy recommendations.
• Contributes to the development of new or revised tools and methodologies of economic analysis.
• Participates in the conception, organization and publication of the annual Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report and the flagship publication known as the Development in the Americas, by leveraging internal and external resources and addressing new research issues to encourage policy discussions and enhance the visibility and impact of the Bank.
• Presents research to academic and non-academic audiences and refines research papers in the light of comments for eventual publication in refereed journals.
• 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.
• Develops networks for disseminating research findings, promoting cooperative research initiatives, and discussing policy issues within and outside the Bank.
• May work as a member of a multidisciplinary team and coordinates work within and beyond the department.
• Provides technical guidance to more junior staff.
• Coaches and mentors others.
• Education: Ph.D. in Economics (completed at the time of appointment).
• Experience: Ph.D. graduates with at least five years of relevant experience. We are considering future Ph.D. graduates as well as those who have recently graduated. 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: A good working knowledge of 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 economic theory and empirical analysis 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.