Citizen Security - Knowledge and Research Specialist, Washington

Citizen Security - Knowledge and Research Specialist

City: Washington DC
Company: IDB
Posting End Date: 10/21/2026 11:59 PM EST

We improve lives

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

The Citizen Security Division (IFD/CIS) is strengthening its knowledge and evidence agenda to support countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in addressing crime and violence challenges through evidence-based interventions. The team works across key areas including social prevention, police performance, criminal justice systems, and rehabilitation.

In this context, the team seeks to systematically connect rigorous evidence (qualitative and quantitative) with policy dialogue, ensuring that lending and technical cooperation are grounded in the highest standards of scientific knowledge and contribute to expanding the Bank’s portfolio and impact

This role will lead the articulation between cutting-edge research and Bank initiatives, ensuring that evidence informs the design, implementation, and scaling of citizen security interventions. The role will also contribute to positioning the Bank as a leading knowledge institution in citizen security in the region, while maintaining a strong pipeline of high-quality research.

What you’ll do

Knowledge Generation and Research Excellence

• Lead and conduct high-quality applied and academic research on citizen security and justice, ensuring methodological rigor (quantitative and qualitative).
• Develop and implement the knowledge agenda in collaboration with the IFD´s Sector Economic Advisor, aligned with priorities, regional challenges, and emerging evidence gaps.
• Coordinate and quality assure research produced by internal teams and external partners, ensuring publication at high academic standards and policy relevance.
• Promote innovation in research methods, including impact evaluations, quasi-experimental methods, and the use of new data sources and technologies.

Bridging Evidence and Initiatives (Core Function)

• Lead and/or support the integration of evidence into new and existing initiatives, ensuring interventions are grounded in tested approaches.
• Provide technical guidance to teams to ensure initiatives incorporate robust theories of change, measurable outcomes, and evaluation components.
• Act as a key advisor in identifying what works and scaling effective interventions and strengthening the impact.

Support for Policy dialogue

• Support policy dialogue with governments by providing evidence-based recommendations and analytical inputs.

Knowledge Positioning and Partnerships

• Position the Bank as a regional leader in citizen security knowledge, strengthening its visibility and credibility.
• Build and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and international organizations to foster joint research and dissemination.
• Lead dissemination strategies, including publications, policy briefs, and participation in global and regional forums.

Internal Capacity Building and Knowledge Diffusion

• Strengthen internal capacities by advising and mentoring teams on evidence-based design and research methodologies.
• Promote knowledge sharing through seminars, workshops, and internal learning initiatives.
• Facilitate synergies between research, initiatives, and communications to maximize development impact.

What you'll need

• Education: Master's degree (PhD preferred) in public policy, political science, economics, development, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.
• Experience: At least 4 years (7 preferably) of relevant experience in research and knowledge roles.
  
  • Proven track record of high-quality research and publications in citizen security, crime, or related areas.
  • Demonstrated experience in linking evidence to policy design, ideally in development institutions.
  • Experience contributing to technical cooperation projects is highly desirable.
  • Strong expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, including impact evaluation.
  • Ability to translate complex evidence into policy-relevant recommendations.
  • Knowledge of citizen security and justice sector issues in the region.
• Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable.

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 inplanning for their future.
• We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
• 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.

Our culture

At the IDB, we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work while finding their purpose. Our people consistently strive for excellence, and we recognize and celebrate the impact of their contributions.

In our efforts to drive innovation, we intentionally include all voices, cultivate a sense of belonging and champion fairness. We welcome individuals from underrepresented groups to join us and share their unique perspectives.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at accommodations@iadb.org .