Consultant - Research Department (Macroeconomist)

Job Posting Organization:
The IDB Group is a community dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established to foster development and economic growth in the region, the organization comprises a diverse team of passionate individuals who work collaboratively in an inclusive and agile environment. The IDB Group is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the region through innovative solutions and partnerships. The organization operates across multiple countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, engaging with various stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Research Department (RES) of the IDB Group is focused on producing high-quality academic work and engaging with the broader research community. The department's primary objectives include conducting macroeconomic analysis and supporting the preparation of country strategy documents and institutional products. The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting RES economists by conducting analytical and policy-oriented research on macroeconomic issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. This position requires the consultant to contribute to flagship publications and prepare materials for high-level discussions on fiscal, monetary, and growth policies in the region. The role demands a strong ability to synthesize complex macroeconomic analysis into clear messages for various audiences, including senior management and policymakers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of RES economists. These include preparing talking points, briefing notes, and Q&A materials for senior management on current macroeconomic developments in Latin America and the Caribbean. The consultant will monitor macroeconomic, financial, fiscal, external, and trade indicators for the region, producing short analytical notes on emerging developments and specific countries or thematic issues. Additionally, the consultant will translate findings from the Annual Macroeconomic Report and other Bank publications into concise policy products and dissemination materials. The role also involves contributing to the preparation of the Annual Macroeconomic Report, drafting or reviewing analytical sections for policy reports, speeches, and presentations for senior management. The consultant will build, update, and document macroeconomic databases and analytical tools, producing charts, tables, and factsheets to support these products. Furthermore, the consultant will undertake research and analysis on macroeconomic and financial policy topics relevant to the region and provide analytical, data, and drafting inputs on short turnaround macroeconomic issues as agreed with supervising economists.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong written communication skills in both English and Spanish, with demonstrated experience in drafting talking points, briefing notes, policy briefs, or similar short-form policy products. The ability to synthesize complex macroeconomic analysis into clear messages for diverse audiences is essential. Candidates should have experience compiling, cleaning, and maintaining macroeconomic and financial databases from official and international sources, as well as proficiency in data visualization and the production of charts and tables for policy documents and presentations. The role requires the ability to work independently, manage multiple short-turnaround requests, and resolve technical problems either independently or collaboratively with team members. A results-oriented mindset with a proven ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time is crucial.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in economics, finance, or a related field is required for this position. A Ph.D. in economics is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex economic theories and practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in macroeconomic analysis and research, preferably with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. Demonstrated experience in producing high-quality analytical work and translating analysis into concise policy-oriented outputs under tight deadlines is essential. Proficiency in econometric software such as Stata, R, Python, or Matlab is also required to effectively analyze data and produce relevant reports.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement ensures effective communication with diverse stakeholders and the ability to produce high-quality outputs in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Product External Consultant (PEC) with a contract duration of three (3) months, which may be renewed based on satisfactory performance and project needs. The work location is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The IDB Group values diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities during the job interview process.