Country Economist Trinidad and Tobago

About this position

We are looking for a highly motivated Country Economist for the Trinidad and Tobago Country Office, which is part of the Country Caribbean Department (CCB).

The team is responsible for the promotion and development of Bank country strategies and programming, as well as knowledge and capacity-building work that contribute to the country dialogue in the region. The department supports the processing, negotiation, and administration of regional and country specific projects and programs; leading and maintaining the relations of the IDB with member countries; promoting and coordinating the use of the funds administered by the Bank or under parallel financing agreements.

What you’ll do

Working under the supervision of the Regional Economic Principal Advisor and the Country Representative in Trinidad and Tobago, you will serve as a focal point for matters dealing with the socio-economic situation and outlook, public policies, and development challenges of Trinidad and Tobago.  Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Carrying out macroeconomic surveillance and policy analysis, including the preparation of macroeconomic assessments (especially fiscal and external sustainability analyses) and financing need forecasts.
• Leading the country-specific knowledge program for Trinidad and Tobago, contributing to the development of new tools, products, and methodologies.
• Collaborating closely with other areas of the IDB Group for the development of the country-specific knowledge program(s). Coordinating with Sector Specialists in the elaboration of sector studies, ensuring that those policy recommendations or sectoral and multi-sectoral actions reflect Trinidad and Tobago's reality.
• Crafting, coordinating, and carrying out research on issues of importance to the economic and social development of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region.
• Sharing and promoting research and economic policy perspectives of the IDB Group, including CCB-specific perspectives with internal team members, as well as with clients using digital media, such as LinkedIn, X, Webcasts, Video Chats, Online Forums, and Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs).
• Preparing periodic briefings for management and contributing to the promulgation of a data-driven decision-making culture. Providing technical guidance on the development of the country strategy and the programming process.
• Contributing to the work of the IDB Group in promoting comprehensive, multi-sectoral development solutions.
• Leading activities related to the analysis of economic, social, and political trends of Trinidad and Tobago and participating in strategy and policy dialogue between the Bank, the client, and stakeholders, in addition to the programming process by identifying operational opportunities and risks.
• Identifying research topics for the Bank’s dialogue and for the design and implementation of a joint country program.
• Coordinating the evaluation, preparation, and monitoring of progress and development effectiveness results of the Country Strategy. Articulating and participating in the dialogue with counterparts on policies and reforms in strategic areas identified by the Country Representative. Conducting dialogue with the private sector and with other relevant counterparts. 

What you'll need

Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Economics. A PhD in Economics would be a plus.

Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience, in addition to:

• Expertise in policy issues and development problems, along with a consistent track record to perform analysis of social, political, and economic conditions and risks, as well as to conduct applied research on economic development issues.
• Validated knowledge of economic development, with capabilities in research, blended finance, and motivation to be involved in operational work that drives impact.

Languages:  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English is required.

Requirements

• Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48-member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents. 

• Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab. 

Type of contract and duration

International staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.

What we offer

The IDB group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee's life. These benefits include:
 

• A competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary expressed on a net-of-tax basis.
• Leaves and vacations: 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender- neutral parental leave.
• Health Insurance: IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs. 
• Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future. 
• We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules.
• Health and well-being:  Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for employees. 
• Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others. 
• Other perks: Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, and others.