International Transport Knowledge Senior Specialist

Ref: 2400000350
Location: Washington DC, United States
Contract: 36 months initially
Closing Date: May 13, 2024

The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment. 

About this position

We are seeking for a Transport Knowledge Senior Specialist who will take an active role in all knowledge activities of the Transport (TSP) Division and will provide economic and analytical advisory to TSP,  the Infrastructure Department, and the rest of the Bank to support the elaboration and dissemination of high quality technical work, rapid evidence based knowledge to clients and operations, assist the TSP Knowledge Coordinator in overseeing the strategic direction of the research agenda of the sector and its dissemination, with a view to support the quality of  current and future operations, as well as the policy dialogue with member countries.

The Transport Division has the operational responsibility in the IDB to finance transport and infrastructure solutions in borrowing member countries that promote efficient, accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable transportation systems, to improve the quality of life and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

What you’ll do:  

• Identify, formulate, prepare, and participate in the development of complex research work, modeling, and strategic initiatives to generate evidence-based knowledge on a range of topics, including impact evaluation of transport projects; decarbonization of the transport sector; institutional, regulatory, and market structure of transport markets; promotion of inclusion and poverty reduction through enhanced transport systems; funding and financing; pricing negative externalities; and private sector participation in the transport sector.
• Leverage advanced analytical tools, data science techniques, and other emerging technologies to enhance the quality and impact of the division's research work.
• Coordinate and/or review and evaluate the academic work of external researchers (consultants and research institutions hired by the IDB), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality.
• Conduct applied research and policy analysis to support IDB operational activities.
• Generate rapid, evidence-based policy notes outlining recommendations for advancing efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and safe transport systems in member countries.
• Support TSP knowledge coordinator in implementing the multiannual knowledge agenda of the Transport Division, considering institutional priorities, client demands, operational projects, and existing knowledge gaps in the Latin America and Caribbean transport sector. This includes the design and execution of a Multiannual Knowledge Agenda (ESWs, CIPs, R&D TCs), organizing the TSP Week, and other events for dissemination purposes.
• Design and implement internal programs for disseminating research products to strengthen the technical capabilities of staff members through conferences, publications, and seminars. Facilitate synergies between knowledge generation and communications efforts.
• Build networks for disseminating research findings, promoting cooperative research initiatives, and discussing policy issues within and outside the Bank. Establish partnerships with academic institutions, private entities, and other agencies producing knowledge related to our work for joint research. Represent the Transport Division in conferences, workshops, and public forums, either as a speaker or panelist, to share expertise and disseminate research findings.
• Assist the Transport Division Chief and the TSP knowledge coordinator in various activities, including reviewing IDB publications for compliance with operational policies, preparing and executing research grants (Technical Cooperation, Economic and Sector Work, and Corporate Input Products), providing comments on research proposals submitted by transport specialists, writing or coordinating short notes for policymakers on the state of art knowledge on specific topics in the transport sector, and providing analytical inputs to the Transport Division Chief for interventions in internal and external events.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams aimed at generating innovative technical, institutional, and financial responses to the needs of national, regional, and local governments, as well as the private sector.

What you'll need

Education: Masters’ level degree in Economics, Engineering-Economics, or a related field with a focus on the transport sector. Ph.D. is preferred. Proven track record on high-impact research and evidence-based knowledge translatable to policy advice.  

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in conducting applied research using robust theoretical and empirical tools with focus on transport affordability, accessibility and connectivity; transport market dynamics; institutional, planning, and regulatory design for the transport sector; low-carbon transitions and adaptation to climate change; the economic and societal impacts of transportation; sector funding and financing; private sector participation; and technology adoption. Relevant experience in economic policy formulation is highly desirable preferably in Latin America or the Caribbean. Experience leading or coordinating teams is also desirable.

• As part of your application please include at least a sample of a paper you have written that best showcases your alignment to the role. 

Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable. 

Key skills 

• Mentor and develop.  
• Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.   
• Focus on clients.  
• Communicate and influence.   
• Innovate and try new things.   

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.  

For more information on how to apply, please click the Apply button.