Intern - Research Department and Behavioral Economics Internship

Intern - Research Department and Behavioral Economics Internship

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

August 29, 2026September 27, 2026Washington DcUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The IDB Group, established in 1959, is a community dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), IDB Invest, and IDB Lab, and is the leading source of development financing in the region. The organization focuses on providing flexible financing solutions to its member countries, supporting economic and social development through loans and grants to both public and private entities. With a strong commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability, the IDB Group aims to achieve measurable results in reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure in a sustainable manner. The organization operates in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, employing a diverse workforce that values collaboration and innovation.

Job Overview:
The IDB Group is seeking an active graduate student for a paid internship opportunity within its Research Department, specifically focusing on Behavioral Economics. This internship is part of the 2027 Winter Internship Program, which is designed to provide university students from member countries with hands-on experience in development work and corporate management. Interns will engage in various projects that involve preparing impactful briefs and reports, conducting literature reviews, and supporting the full cycle of behavioral interventions. The role emphasizes the application of behavioral economics to address global challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the organization. Interns will have the chance to develop practical skills in research and intervention design, making this a valuable opportunity for those looking to enhance their professional experience in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for preparing clear and impactful briefs and reports that communicate key insights and recommendations derived from behavioral projects in areas such as health, financial inclusion, and heuristics training. They will engage in knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops aimed at promoting innovation and continuous learning in behavioral economics. Additionally, interns will support the entire cycle of behavioral interventions, from diagnosis and design to evaluation and reporting. Conducting literature reviews on behavioral economics interventions in development projects will also be a key duty, where interns will summarize findings and identify research gaps. Overall, the role requires a proactive approach to learning and collaboration, with a focus on delivering results and contributing to the organization's mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be active graduate students enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program in behavioral science, economics, or psychology at an accredited university. They should possess fluency in English and have a working knowledge of at least one other Bank language, such as Spanish, French, or Portuguese. Key skills include a commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, client focus, effective communication, and innovation. Soft skills such as being result-driven, self-motivated, and possessing excellent time management abilities are essential. Technical skills should include strong analytical capabilities, proficiency in quantitative and qualitative empirical methods, and experience with statistical software like STATA and R for data analysis. A solid understanding of behavioral insights is also crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be active graduate students, meaning they must be enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program at the time of application. It is important that the graduation date is set for after the internship period, ensuring that candidates are committed to their academic pursuits while gaining practical experience. A minimum of 50% of coursework must be completed at the time of application, and candidates must provide documentation to verify their student status, including academic transcripts and a university letter.

Experience:
This internship is designed for individuals who are at the beginning stages of their professional careers, specifically targeting graduate students. As such, prior work experience is not a strict requirement; however, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant coursework in behavioral science, economics, or psychology. The internship aims to provide practical experience and skill development rather than requiring extensive prior experience in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IDB Group. Additionally, having a working knowledge of one other Bank language, such as Spanish, French, or Portuguese, is considered a valuable asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is structured as a full-time position, requiring interns to work 40 hours per week from January 16th to March 15th, 202
  • This two-month contract is fixed and cannot be modified. Candidates must submit their resumes, academic transcripts, and a university letter certifying their student status when applying. It is important to note that applications lacking the requested documentation will be disqualified. For international students in the U.S., work authorization must be obtained through CPT or OPT, and candidates should consult their school advisors regarding eligibility. The IDB Group is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
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