Director of the African Department

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established in 1944 with the mission to promote global economic stability and growth. The IMF has a diverse workforce of over 2,700 employees from around the world and operates in 190 countries. Its primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system by providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to its member countries.

Job Overview:
The Director of the African Department (AFR) at the IMF is a senior leadership position responsible for providing intellectual leadership and strategic vision in managing the department's work. The Director will oversee the development and implementation of the Fund's strategy in Africa, advising management and the Executive Board on economic policies affecting 45 Sub-Saharan African member countries. The role involves providing macroeconomic policy advice, implementing Fund policies to promote macroeconomic stability, and improving conditions for sustained economic growth. The Director will also prioritize capacity development activities, including technical assistance and training to support institutional development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide strong intellectual leadership and strategic vision for the African Department.
• Advise management and the Executive Board on economic policies and issues concerning Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Develop and implement the Fund's strategy in Africa, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies.
• Provide macroeconomic policy advice to member countries and implement Fund policies to promote macroeconomic stability.
• Facilitate financial assistance to countries facing balance of payments needs.
• Ensure effective prioritization of capacity development activities, including technical assistance and training.
• Engage with a wide range of leaders and policymakers in Africa, fostering collaboration with other organizations.
• Manage and lead a large team, resolving organizational and HR issues effectively.
• Promote change and cooperation with the Executive Board, management, and staff.

Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate must possess the following qualifications:

• An advanced degree in economics with a strong background in macroeconomic and structural policy issues.
• A minimum of 15-20 years of extensive operational and policy experience in macroeconomic management.
• Strong knowledge of the economic issues confronting Africa and the ability to engage credibly with leaders and policymakers.
• A commitment to collaborative work with other organizations active in Africa.
• Familiarity with the work of the IMF or similar institutions in policy work and international economic environments.
• Proven ability to provide intellectual and strategic leadership in the Fund's work in Africa.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiating, and influencing skills, along with excellent communication abilities.
• Outstanding leadership skills with experience managing multi-functional teams and large groups of staff.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced degree in economics or a related field, which is essential for understanding complex macroeconomic and structural policy issues. This educational background is crucial for providing the necessary intellectual leadership and strategic vision required for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15-20 years of extensive experience in macroeconomic management, including operational and policy work. This experience should include a strong background in country program work, particularly with Fund-supported programs and surveillance activities, demonstrating a deep understanding of the economic landscape in Africa.

Languages:
The ability to function in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as it facilitates effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders in Africa. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with various leaders and policymakers across the continent.

Additional Notes:
This position is a senior leadership role within the IMF, and it is expected to be a full-time commitment. The IMF is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that employment decisions are made without discrimination. The organization welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process, and information on how to request accommodations will be provided during the application process.