Economic Research Assistant for the Country Office in Suriname

Job Posting Organization:
The IDB Group is a community dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established with a mission to foster sustainable economic development and social progress, the IDB Group operates in multiple countries across the region. The organization is known for its diverse workforce, which includes passionate individuals committed to making a difference. The IDB Group provides loans, grants, guarantees, policy advice, and technical assistance to both public and private sectors in its borrowing countries, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The position of Economic Research Assistant is designed for a talented young economist who will support the Country Economist in various activities related to macroeconomic monitoring, analysis, and applied research on a wide range of economic and social development topics specific to Suriname. The role is situated within the Country Office of Suriname, which is part of The Caribbean Group Countries Department (CCB). This department plays a crucial role in providing financial and technical support to enhance the economic landscape of Caribbean nations. The assistant will be responsible for creating and maintaining databases, conducting macroeconomic sustainability analyses, preparing reports, and contributing to research projects, thereby playing a vital role in the economic development efforts of Suriname.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Research Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: creating and maintaining databases of macroeconomic, financial, and social variables; conducting macroeconomic sustainability analyses, particularly focusing on debt and external sector issues; preparing detailed reports on the economic, social, and political situations in Suriname; providing technical contributions to the development of various research projects; preparing PowerPoint presentations to support country dialogues; reviewing relevant literature; performing statistical and econometric analyses using STATA; assisting in the organization of events; and delivering specific outputs such as data compilations, bibliography reviews, and graphical representations for various reports and assessments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, with a strong preference for those who also hold a Master’s degree in Economics or a related field. The role requires a solid foundation in economic principles and research methodologies, as well as the ability to analyze complex data sets and present findings effectively. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in statistical software, particularly STATA, and possess strong analytical and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The ideal educational background for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Candidates with a Master’s degree in Economics or a related field will be given preference, as advanced education is crucial for understanding complex economic theories and applications relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of progressive experience in economic research and macroeconomic analysis. This experience should ideally include hands-on work with data analysis, report writing, and the application of econometric techniques, which are essential for the successful execution of the responsibilities outlined in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IDB Group and for the documentation produced. While English is essential, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the Caribbean region.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Products and External Services Consultant (PEC) contract, with a lump sum payment structure. The length of the contract is set for 6 months, and the work location is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The IDB Group emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups, ensuring a diverse and equitable workplace. Additionally, the organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process.