Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization founded in 1944, with a mission to promote global economic stability and growth. The IMF has a diverse workforce of over 2,700 employees from more than 150 countries. It operates in 190 member countries, providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to help countries achieve macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth. The organization is committed to fostering global monetary cooperation, securing financial stability, facilitating international trade, promoting high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reducing poverty around the world.

Job Overview:
The Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA) position is a critical role within the IMF's Statistics Department (STA) and the Regional Technical Assistance Center for Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic (CAPTAC-DR). The RSSA will be responsible for overseeing and providing capacity development support in real sector statistics across seven countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. This role involves developing an annual work program, coordinating statistical capacity development activities, conducting technical assistance missions, and providing regional training primarily in national accounts and price statistics. The RSSA will also manage and backstop real sector missions by short-term experts and ensure adherence to IMF standards and policies in documenting capacity development activities. The position requires a strong commitment to enhancing the statistical capabilities of national authorities and promoting the visibility of CAPTAC-DR's contributions to development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be required to perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: developing an annual work program for statistical capacity development in national accounts and price indices; coordinating capacity development activities with relevant IMF departments and international institutions; conducting country technical assistance missions and providing regional training in national accounts and price statistics; managing balance of payments capacity development activities; overseeing real sector missions by short-term experts; applying IMF standards and policies in documenting capacity development activities; monitoring the implementation and evaluation of activities in the IMF Capacity Development Management and Administration Program (CDMAP) IT portal; and contributing to reports for the CAPTAC-DR Steering Committee and other publications that promote the CD program.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess expert knowledge in real sector statistics and have experience in at least one macroeconomic statistics framework, such as balance of payments, government finance, or monetary and finance statistics. Proven expertise in national accounts methodology and compilation is essential, demonstrated by a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience. The candidate should also have excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish, with a working knowledge of English being required. Strong relationship management, negotiating, and influencing skills are critical, as the role involves developing relations with national authorities. The ability to organize and coordinate capacity development support with various stakeholders is also essential, along with a strong drive for results and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree, either a Master's or PhD, in economics, statistics, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of real sector statistics and for effectively contributing to capacity development initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of real sector statistics. This experience should include a proven track record in national accounts methodology and compilation, as well as familiarity with macroeconomic statistics frameworks. The candidate should also have experience in providing technical assistance and training in statistical capacity development.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the successful candidate will be required to communicate effectively with national authorities and stakeholders in the region. A working knowledge of English is also required, as it may be necessary for collaboration with international colleagues and for accessing relevant literature and resources.

Additional Notes:
The initial appointment for this position is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension up to three years, contingent on performance, ongoing budget/business needs, and management approval. The position is based in Guatemala City, which is currently considered a high-risk location. The IMF encourages applications from female candidates and nationals from underrepresented regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. The organization is committed to non-discrimination in employment and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process.