Research and Policy Principal/Lead Economist at Inter-American Development Bank

Research and Policy Principal/Lead Economist

Location

Post of duty: Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

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 experienced and policy-oriented macroeconomist to join the Research Department. This role is ideal for a candidate passionate about addressing the development challenges of Latin America and the Caribbean through rigorous economic analysis and strategic policy engagement. The candidate should possess:

• Strong technical skills
• A record of high-quality, original research in peer-reviewed journals
• The ability to communicate with a wide range of potential audiences
• An interest in policy issues in the region

The successful candidate will contribute to the Bank’s mission by producing high-impact research, advising on macroeconomic policy and topical macroeconomic developments important for the region, and engaging with stakeholders across the region to promote evidence-based decision‑making.

What you’ll do

• Analyze macroeconomic trends and develop policy recommendations on fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, and structural issues.
• Contribute to countries’ macroeconomic monitoring and assessments and to policy dialogue with authorities when necessary.
• Advise government counterparts and institutional leadership on macroeconomic policy design and implementation.
• Conduct high-quality, policy-relevant research on macroeconomic issues including growth, inflation, debt sustainability, and external vulnerabilities.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and institutional reports.
• Lead thematic studies and flagship publications that inform regional and global policy debates.
• Build and maintain relationships with central banks, ministries of finance, international organizations, and academic institutions.
• Represent the institution in high-level policy forums, conferences, and working groups.
• Mentor junior economists and contribute to internal training programs.
• Support capacity-building initiatives in member countries through workshops, technical assistance, and collaborative research.
• Develop and refine analytical tools and frameworks for macroeconomic policy assessment.
• Stay abreast of global economic developments and integrate cutting‑edge methodologies into policy work.

What you'll need

• Education: Master’s degree or equivalent education (PhD strongly preferred) in Economics.
• Experience: At least 7 years of relevant professional experience for a Principal Economist, or at least 6 years for a Lead Economist, in macroeconomic analysis, policy design, and applied research, preferably in international organizations, central banks, ministries of finance, or academic institutions, on topics relevant to development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and institutional reports related to fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, financial and structural issues policies and contributing to macroeconomic monitoring and assessments.
• Experience in policy dialogue with government authorities, representing organizations in high-level forums and institutional leadership is valued.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and one of the other Bank official languages (Spanish, French or Portuguese) is required.

As part of your application, we kindly request that you submit: i) a cover letter, and ii) a recent paper. Please upload both documents in the “Additional Documents” section, which is intended for other relevant materials such as cover letters, portfolios, diplomas, etc.

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 staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.

What we offer

• 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 that 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.
• Assistance 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 that 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 support, 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.

Accessibility

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.