Resident Macroeconomic Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization established to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate balanced growth of international trade, and provide resources to member countries in need. Founded in 1944, the IMF has grown to include 190 member countries and operates in various regions around the world, including Asia and the Pacific. The organization aims to foster global economic stability and growth by providing policy advice, financial assistance, and technical assistance to its member countries. The Asia Pacific Department (APD) specifically focuses on the economic and financial issues facing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, working closely with governments and institutions to enhance their macroeconomic frameworks and policy-making capabilities.

Job Overview:
The Resident Macroeconomic Advisor position is a critical role within the IMF’s Asia Pacific Department, specifically designed to provide technical assistance in macroeconomic analysis to Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The Advisor will be stationed at the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center (PFTAC) in Suva, Fiji, and will be responsible for enhancing the macroeconomic forecasting and policy analysis capabilities of government institutions in these countries. The role involves a comprehensive approach to technical assistance, which may include developing and maintaining macroeconomic forecasting tools, conducting diagnostics on economic conditions, and providing training and support to local officials. The Advisor will work closely with various stakeholders, including IMF country teams and other advisors, to ensure that the assistance provided is tailored to the specific needs and capacities of the recipient countries. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions that align with the broader goals of the IMF and the specific needs of the Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Macroeconomic Advisor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: delivering and coordinating technical assistance and training on macroeconomic analysis; maintaining communication with APD Division Chiefs and country mission chiefs; preparing medium-term work plans based on country demands; managing the certification and contracting process for short-term experts; preparing necessary documentation for internal review; contributing to corporate work at PFTAC; and participating in surveillance missions as needed. The Advisor will also be responsible for ensuring that all activities align with the IMF’s regional capacity development strategy and will report regularly on the progress and outcomes of the technical assistance provided. This role requires a strong commitment to collaboration and communication with various teams within the IMF and with external stakeholders in the Pacific region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Resident Macroeconomic Advisor position must possess a post-graduate degree in Economics and have at least five years of relevant professional experience. Practical knowledge of the IMF's financial programming framework is essential, and experience as an IMF country desk economist or in delivering technical assistance is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate excellent data management and analytical skills, particularly in the use of MS Excel and econometric applications. Extensive experience in developing macro-modeling tools, especially in developing countries with limited statistical capacities, is required. Familiarity with software such as EViews, Matlab, Dynare, and Iris is a plus. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, and proficiency in Portuguese is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should exhibit exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a post-graduate degree in Economics. This advanced degree should provide a solid foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, which are crucial for the role of a Macroeconomic Advisor. Candidates should have a strong understanding of macroeconomic principles and the ability to apply these concepts in practical settings, particularly in the context of developing economies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in macroeconomic analysis or related fields. This experience should include practical knowledge of the IMF's financial programming framework and a track record of delivering technical assistance. Preference will be given to candidates who have held senior or advisory positions within ministries of finance, central banks, or international financial institutions, as well as those who have experience managing and overseeing technical assistance work in macroeconomic analysis.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IMF and with the recipient countries. While not required, proficiency in Portuguese is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders. Strong communication skills in both written and oral formats are essential for effectively conveying complex economic concepts and analyses.

Additional Notes:
The selected candidate will be expected to take up the position in Suva, Fiji, as soon as possible. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and ongoing budgetary needs. The IMF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects the skills and experience of the successful candidate. The organization is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including different genders, nationalities, cultures, and educational experiences. Additionally, the IMF is open to providing reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process.