Resident Macroeconomic Frameworks Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization established to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate balanced growth of international trade, and provide resources to member countries in need. The IMF's Institute for Capacity Development (ICD) focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of member countries to effectively manage their economies. The Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC), established in 1993, is the IMF's first regional technical assistance center, aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of Pacific Island countries (PICs) to design and implement sound macroeconomic and financial policies. PFTAC supports sixteen PICs, including 13 IMF members and three non-member territories, working towards sustainable economic growth and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The organization operates in various countries across the Pacific region, providing tailored technical assistance and capacity development programs.

Job Overview:
The Resident Macroeconomic Frameworks Advisor position is a contractual role based in Suva, Fiji, with an initial appointment for one year, extendable up to four years based on performance and budget considerations. The advisor will play a crucial role in enhancing the macroeconomic forecasting and analytical capabilities of government institutions in Pacific Island countries. This position involves delivering technical assistance (TA) projects that may include developing Excel-based sectoral-relationship frameworks, semi-structural gap Quarterly Projection Models, and tools for near-term forecasting and debt dynamics. The advisor will engage in training components to address the capacity constraints of PFTAC members, ensuring that the macroeconomic frameworks developed are practical and effective for policy decision-making processes. The advisor will work closely with IMF staff and specialized short-term experts to coordinate TA missions and training engagements, contributing to the overall capacity development efforts in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Macroeconomic Frameworks Advisor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: delivering and overseeing technical assistance and training on macroeconomic frameworks to support forecasting and policy analysis in central banks and ministries of finance; preparing medium-term project and 12-month workplans in collaboration with country authorities and IMF stakeholders; managing the certification and contracting process for short-term experts, including drafting terms of reference and overseeing their work; maintaining close contact with relevant country teams and preparing necessary TA and training documents for internal review; contributing to PFTAC corporate work, including steering committee meetings, annual reports, and outreach efforts; and working under the guidance of the PFTAC Director while being supervised by ICD macroeconomic-frameworks TA back-stoppers based in headquarters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Resident Macroeconomic Frameworks Advisor position must possess a post-graduate degree in Economics and have at least five years of relevant professional experience. They should have practical knowledge of the IMF's financial programming framework and demonstrate excellent data management and analytical skills, particularly in using MS Excel and econometric applications. Experience in macroeconomic modeling and forecasting is essential, with familiarity in software such as EViews, Matlab, Dynare, and Iris considered advantageous. Strong spoken and written communication skills in English are required, along with exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills, enabling effective teamwork and collaboration.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a post-graduate degree in Economics. This advanced degree should provide the candidate with a solid foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and analytical skills necessary for the role of a Macroeconomic Frameworks Advisor. The educational background should also include coursework or training relevant to macroeconomic modeling and forecasting, as well as familiarity with the tools and software commonly used in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in macroeconomic analysis, financial programming, or related fields. This experience should include practical application of macroeconomic modeling and forecasting techniques, as well as involvement in capacity development initiatives or technical assistance projects. Familiarity with the IMF's operational framework and experience working in international or regional contexts will be considered beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and training engagements. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages spoken in the Pacific region may be considered a plus, enhancing the advisor's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time contractual assignment with an initial duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and budgetary considerations. The role is open to external candidates as well as current contractual staff based in IMF headquarters, regional training centers, and regional technical assistance centers. The IMF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects the successful candidate's skills and experience. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that employment decisions are made without discrimination and welcoming requests for reasonable accommodations during the selection process.