Transportation Principal or Lead Research Economist

IDB
Washington, DC - United States
S: Competitive

We are looking for a PRINCIPAL or LEAD ECONOMIST to carry out operational and technical activities of design, management, coordination and implementation of public and private financing schemes to large-scale projects and / or regional integration from the Transportation Division (INE/TSP); and generate specialized knowledge and transfer of methodologies required to make compatible the complex markets of financial services and the markets of provision and infrastructure services in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). You will also collaborate in the preparation of public transportation policy documents.

The team: Our division promotes economic development and quality of life of the people in the LAC Region through transportation and infrastructure activities in a safe, efficient, affordable, and consistent way.

What you'll do:

Evaluate and develop ground breaking economic research to resolve issues in the Bank's transport research agenda, including strategy formulation and development of an operational program. Develop and process research proposals to assess for financing through Bank instruments such as Economic Sector Works (ESW), and Knowledge Technical Cooperation.
Conduct studies in transport economics, mainly related with the regulation and performance of transport services and infrastructure markets and related industries. Tasks to be carried out in the development of research topics include, but are not limited to: (i) settle the scope of the project and research design; (ii) perform literature review; (iii) perform modelling if necessary; (iv) carrying out data collection and empirical analysis; and (v) provide policy implications.
Lead and handle the implementation of knowledge projects with researchers within and outside the Bank. Advise and be responsible for the conceptual and technical development of the research project to be carried out. Before delivery, assess quality of all outputs. Watch with other Bank specialists, and perform functions related to research project development and implementation.
Provide analytical and strategic sector input to Bank Country Strategies, and review Country Development Challenge Documents to make sure that they reflect transport sector priorities in each country, and their alignments to government development plans.
Peer review TSP analytical proposals and products (working papers, technical notes, etc.), to ensure technical soundness and quality.
Develop a multi-sectoral transport research agenda across Bank divisions, and develop strategic partnerships with relevant partners in academia to that effect.
Provide technical mentorship to junior contractuals.


Qualifications

Education: Master's degree (PhD preferred) in Economics or Finance.
Experience: Seven (7) or more than ten (10) years (preferred) of research experience in the transport and/or infrastructure sector. Strong record of publications in the field of transport economics or regulation of infrastructure and/or transport services. Deep understanding of the functioning of the public sector (ministries, decentralized entities, subnational governments, etc.) in countries of the region and vast comprehension of the reality of the sector.
Languages: Spanish and English (additional French and/or Portuguese desirable).

Job summary