Country Economics Specialist

About Inter-American Development Bank

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1959, IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in the region. The Bank conducts cutting-edge research, provides policy advice, and offers technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients. IDB focuses on reducing poverty and inequality, aiming to bring about sustainable and inclusive development through a combination of lending and grants to public and private entities. The IDB Group also includes IDB Invest, which supports the private sector, and IDB Lab, which melds innovative solutions with financing to promote development. IDB’s work is driven by a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They offer a versatile and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

About this Role

As a Country Economics Specialist, you will be at the forefront of analyzing and guiding the socio-economic development of Guyana. Working under the supervision of the Regional Economic Principal Advisor and the Country Representative in Guyana, you will serve as a focal point for matters dealing with the socio-economic situation and outlook, public policies, and development challenges of Guyana. You will lead macroeconomic surveillance, policy analysis, and the development of knowledge programs specific to the country. This role includes preparing macroeconomic assessments, collaborating with sector specialists, and coordinating research on pertinent economic and social development issues. You will also promote and share research through various platforms and support the IDB Group’s data-driven decision-making culture. Your expertise will be pivotal in developing and monitoring the country strategy, participating in policy dialogues, and ensuring the quality of operational outputs.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out macroeconomic surveillance and policy analysis, including the preparation of macroeconomic assessments and financing need forecasts.
• Leading the country-specific knowledge program for Guyana, contributing to the development of new tools, products, and methodologies.
• Collaborating with other areas of the IDB Group for the development of country-specific knowledge programs.
• Coordinating with Sector Specialists to ensure sector studies reflect Guyana’s reality.
• Crafting, coordinating, and undertaking research on issues important to the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean.
• Sharing and promoting research and economic policy perspectives via digital media platforms.
• Preparing periodic briefings for management and fostering a data-driven decision-making culture.
• Providing technical guidance on the development of the country strategy and programming process.
• Leading activities related to the analysis of economic, social, and political trends of Guyana and participating in strategic and policy dialogues.
• Identifying research topics for the Bank’s dialogue and designing implementation strategies.
• Managing the evaluation, preparation, and monitoring of progress and development effectiveness results of the Country Strategy.
• Engaging in dialogues with counterparts on policies and reforms in strategic areas.
• Conducting dialogues with the private sector and other relevant counterparts.
• Enhancing the quality of the Bank’s operational outputs by providing inputs and quality control throughout the project cycle.
• Applying economic theory, research, and policy to development scenarios through collaboration with technical and operational team members.
• Bridging research and development applications to ensure impact and relevance.
• Working as a member of multidisciplinary project teams for major macroeconomic issues.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Economics; a PhD in Economics is a plus.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in policy issues and development problems, with a track record in analyzing social, political, and economic conditions and risks.
• Validated knowledge of economic development, with capabilities in research and blended finance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Citizenship of one of IDB’s 48-member countries.
• No familial (consanguinity) employment restrictions within IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary on a net-of-tax basis.
• Leaves and vacations: 24 days of paid time off, 8 personal days, sick leave, and gender-neutral parental leave.
• Health insurance covering medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Assistance with relocation and visa applications for employees and their families.
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules.
• Access to preventive care and health education at IDB’s Health Services Center.
• Professional development support through mentoring, counseling, training, and language classes.
• Other perks including Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, and Spouse Career Program.