Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA)

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 Statistics Department (STA) focuses on enhancing the quality and availability of economic and financial statistics, which are crucial for effective policymaking. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing technical assistance and training to strengthen statistical capacities. The African Regional Technical Assistance Center in East Africa (AFRITAC East) is one of the IMF's initiatives aimed at supporting member countries in the region, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The IMF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, ensuring that employment decisions are made without discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA) position is a critical role within the IMF's Statistics Department, specifically focused on enhancing the capacity for real sector statistics in the East African region. The RSSA will be responsible for overseeing and implementing capacity development initiatives related to national accounts, price indices, and other real sector statistics across eight countries. This role requires a deep understanding of statistical methodologies and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders, including IMF departments and international institutions. The RSSA will develop an annual work program, conduct technical assistance missions, and provide regional training, ensuring that the countries involved can effectively compile and analyze real sector statistics. The position demands strong communication skills, as the RSSA will frequently interact with country authorities and represent the IMF in various outreach activities. The initial appointment is for one year, with the potential for extension based on performance and organizational needs.

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

• Developing an annual work program that outlines the capacity development support for national accounts and real sector statistics.
• Managing and coordinating capacity development activities in collaboration with relevant IMF departments and other international organizations.
• Conducting technical assistance missions to countries, focusing on national accounts and price statistics, while also addressing other areas of real sector statistics as required.
• Overseeing and providing support for missions conducted by short-term experts in the field.
• Ensuring adherence to IMF standards and STA guidelines in documenting capacity development activities.
• Monitoring the implementation and evaluation of capacity development initiatives through the IMF CDMAP IT portal.
• Contributing to reports for the AFRITAC East Steering Committee and participating in outreach activities that promote the work of AFRITAC East and STA's capacity development programs.
• Traveling within the region to engage with country authorities and stakeholders, both in-person and remotely, to foster collaboration and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the RSSA position must possess a robust set of qualifications, including:

• Expert knowledge in national accounts statistics, with a proven track record in the field.
• Experience in at least one macroeconomic statistics framework, such as balance of payments, government finance, or monetary and finance statistics, is considered advantageous.
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience demonstrating expertise in national accounts methodology and compilation.
• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in economics, statistics, or a related discipline.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, essential for effective interaction with stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence outcomes positively.
• A demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate capacity development support effectively, working collaboratively with various IMF departments and external partners.
• A results-oriented mindset, capable of managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the RSSA position includes an advanced degree, either a Master's or a PhD, in economics, statistics, or a closely related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding complex statistical methodologies and economic principles that underpin the role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in the field of national accounts statistics. This experience should include practical application of statistical methodologies, as well as involvement in capacity development initiatives and technical assistance missions. Candidates should have a proven ability to work effectively in international settings and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IMF and with country authorities. While not required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the East African region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The RSSA position is initially offered as a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension up to three years, contingent upon performance and organizational needs. The role is classified under seniority levels A11 to A14, indicating a high level of responsibility and expertise. The IMF is committed to recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, providing reasonable accommodations during the selection process.