Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) is a regional training center established in 1992 through a collaboration between the Austrian authorities, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and several other international organizations. The JVI's mission is to provide high-quality training for public sector officials from countries primarily in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization operates with a focus on collaboration with partner institutions, leveraging their collective expertise to develop and deliver a variety of courses, seminars, and workshops on a wide range of economic topics. The JVI has a diverse team of economists and aims to foster a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and work-life balance.

Job Overview:
The JVI is currently seeking a Macroeconomist to join its teaching faculty, which consists of seven economists with varied backgrounds and expertise. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to macroeconomic analysis and policy-related training. This role requires strong analytical skills and substantive expertise in applied macroeconomics, including areas such as monetary and fiscal policies, structural and external sector issues, business cycle dynamics, and vulnerability assessments. Additionally, proficiency in forecasting models and applied quantitative tools is desirable. The position emphasizes teaching, curriculum development, institutional engagement, research, and technical assistance, making it a multifaceted role that requires collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Teaching: Delivering and coordinating training in macroeconomic policy, often in collaboration with the IMF, Austrian authorities, or other partners. Teaching is the primary responsibility of JVI economists.
• Curriculum Development: Evaluating and updating existing courses, as well as designing new JVI-sponsored offerings in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Institutional Engagement: Organizing public seminars, participating in outreach events, and contributing to internal working groups.
• Research: Conducting applied research that aligns with the JVI’s mission.
• Technical Assistance: Contributing to IMF or partner-led technical assistance initiatives, as relevant and time permits.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess 3-5 years of hands-on experience in analyzing macroeconomic issues and/or formulating macroeconomic policy. International work experience and familiarity with the countries in the JVI region would be advantageous. A proven record of teaching experience, particularly in applied macroeconomics, is essential, with additional experience in econometrics or modeling being a plus. Candidates should also have knowledge of current macroeconomic challenges in the JVI catchment area. Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English are required, and proficiency in Russian would be an asset.

Educational Background:
A Ph.D. in economics or near completion is preferred for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the theoretical foundation and analytical skills necessary for the role, particularly in applied macroeconomics and related fields.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 3-5 years of relevant experience in analyzing macroeconomic issues and formulating macroeconomic policy. This experience should ideally include international exposure and familiarity with the economic contexts of the JVI region, which encompasses Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Teaching experience, especially in applied macroeconomics, is also a critical component of the required experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of instruction and communication at the JVI. Proficiency in Russian is considered an asset, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of participants from the JVI region.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term position initially for two years, with the possibility of renewal up to a total of eight years. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The JVI promotes a flexible work environment that supports work-life balance. Staff members at the JVI are exempt from national immigration restrictions and hold the status of employees of international organizations in Austria, although they do not have diplomatic status. The JVI is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and candidates of all backgrounds and nationalities. Applicants are expected to submit a cover letter and CV as part of their application, which will be used in the screening process.