Specialized Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization established to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate balanced trade and economic growth, and provide resources to member countries in need. Founded in 1944, the IMF has grown to include 190 member countries and employs over 2,700 staff members. The organization operates in various countries around the world, providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to help countries achieve macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth. The IMF's Statistics Department (STA) plays a crucial role in setting global standards for macroeconomic and financial statistics, ensuring that member countries can produce and disseminate high-quality data for effective policymaking.

Job Overview:
The position of Specialized Economist within the IMF’s Statistics Department (STA) focuses on the Financial Institutions Division (STAFI) and is centered around the Financial Access workstream, particularly the Financial Access Survey (FAS) database. The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing and maintaining the FAS, contributing to statistical methodology, data management, analysis, and capacity development. This role requires collaboration with other departments within the IMF and external partners to support analytical, policy, and operational activities. The candidate will also engage in developing and implementing international statistical methodologies, particularly in emerging areas such as fintech and financial health, while contributing to the overall objectives of STA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the revamp of the Financial Access Survey (FAS) to enhance financial sector and macro-financial surveillance.
• Developing, updating, and implementing international statistical methodologies for the FAS, including addressing frontier issues like fintech and disaggregated data.
• Implementing STAFI’s capacity development program for the FAS, which includes providing training and technical assistance to IMF member countries.
• Assisting other Fund departments in multilateral and bilateral surveillance through methodological advice and analytical work.
• Contributing to the analytical work agenda within STA’s objectives, showcasing STA databases for evidence-based policymaking.
• Participating in the G20’s Data Gaps Initiative 3, focusing on fintech-enabled financial inclusion.
• Collaborating with international organizations and external stakeholders.
• Engaging in departmental activities, including reviewing policy documents and data-related issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field, along with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in financial inclusion, excellent data management skills in R and Stata, and hands-on experience with statistical compilation and methodological development of financial inclusion data. Experience working in financial sector authorities, particularly in developing data methodologies and delivering capacity development, is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in English, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster effective working relationships with country authorities and collaborate within teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates may also have considerable graduate work supplemented by relevant work experience. A minimum of four years of professional experience in a related field is essential for consideration.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant professional experience, ideally in roles that involve financial inclusion, data management, and statistical methodology development. Experience in financial sector authorities is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the challenges and methodologies relevant to financial data compilation and analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required. A working knowledge of additional languages such as Spanish, French, or Arabic would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a one-year contractual appointment, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years based on performance, budget availability, and ongoing business needs. The IMF is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that employment decisions are made without discrimination. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities can be requested during the selection process.