Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization established in 1944 with the mission to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate balanced growth of international trade, and provide resources to member countries in need. The IMF has a workforce of approximately 2,700 employees and operates in 190 countries, providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to its member nations. The organization aims to foster global economic stability and growth through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA) position is a critical role within the IMF's Statistics Department (STA) and the IMF Capacity Development Office in Thailand (CDOT). The RSSA will be responsible for overseeing and providing capacity development support in real sector statistics across seven countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. This role involves developing an annual work program, coordinating capacity development activities, conducting technical assistance missions, and managing training programs primarily focused on national accounts and price statistics. The RSSA will work closely with various IMF departments and international institutions to ensure effective delivery of technical assistance and training, while also contributing to reports and outreach activities that enhance the visibility of the CDOT and STA's capacity development programs. The position requires a strong commitment to fostering relationships with national authorities and stakeholders in the region, as well as the ability to travel frequently for missions and training sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing an annual work program that outlines the strategic direction for statistical capacity development in national accounts, price indices, and other real sector statistics.
• Coordinating capacity development activities with relevant IMF departments and international partners to ensure a cohesive approach to technical assistance and training.
• Conducting country technical assistance missions to assess needs and provide tailored support in real sector statistics, particularly in national accounts and price statistics.
• Managing and overseeing missions conducted by short-term experts, ensuring that their contributions align with the overall objectives of the capacity development program.
• Applying IMF standards and policies in documenting capacity development activities and monitoring their implementation through the IMF Capacity Development Management and Administration Program (CDMAP) IT portal.
• Contributing to the preparation of reports for the CDOT Advisory Committee and other publications that promote the work of CDOT and STA, enhancing visibility and engagement with development partners.
• Collaborating with the CDOT Director and STA at IMF headquarters to align technical direction and support for capacity development initiatives.
• Engaging with country authorities and stakeholders, both in-person and remotely, to foster relationships and facilitate effective communication regarding capacity development efforts.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the RSSA position will possess a robust set of qualifications, including:

• Expert knowledge in real sector statistics, with a deep understanding of national accounts methodology and compilation.
• Experience in macroeconomic statistics frameworks, such as balance of payments, government finance, or monetary and finance statistics, is considered an asset.
• A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of statistics or economics, demonstrating a proven track record of expertise.
• An advanced degree (Masters’ or PhD) in economics, statistics, or a related field, providing a strong theoretical foundation for the role.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, enabling effective interaction with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management, negotiating, and influencing skills, essential for developing and maintaining productive relationships with national authorities and partners.
• The ability to organize and coordinate capacity development support effectively, ensuring alignment with IMF departments and external partners.
• A strong drive for results, with the capability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced educational background, specifically:

• A Master's degree or PhD in economics, statistics, or a closely related field, which equips them with the necessary analytical and quantitative skills required for the position.
• Coursework or training in real sector statistics, national accounts, and macroeconomic frameworks is highly desirable, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the RSSA role.
• Continuous professional development in statistical methodologies and practices is encouraged to stay current with evolving standards and best practices in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically:

• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in the field of statistics or economics, with a focus on real sector statistics and capacity development.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting technical assistance missions and providing training in statistical methodologies, particularly in national accounts and price statistics.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government authorities and international organizations, to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment and engaging with diverse teams and partners is highly valued.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is:

• Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of other languages relevant to the region, such as Thai or Vietnamese, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local authorities and partners.

Additional Notes:
The RSSA position is initially offered for a one-year term, with the possibility of extension up to three years based on performance, ongoing budgetary needs, and management approval. The role is classified under the A11 to A14 levels, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience. The IMF is committed to diversity and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. The organization also welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process, ensuring an inclusive recruitment experience.