Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization founded in 1944 with the mission to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. The IMF has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,700 employees from over 150 countries, working in various capacities to support its mission. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to member countries. The Statistics Department (STA) is one of the key departments within the IMF, focusing on enhancing the quality and availability of economic and financial statistics globally. The Africa Regional Technical Assistance Center West (AFW) is a regional initiative aimed at providing tailored technical assistance to countries in West Africa, enhancing their statistical capacity and improving data quality.

Job Overview:
The Real Sector Statistics Advisor (RSSA) position is a critical role within the IMF's Statistics Department and the Africa Regional Technical Assistance Center West (AFW). The RSSA will be responsible for overseeing and implementing capacity development support in real sector statistics across ten countries and regional agencies in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Togo. The role involves developing an annual work program, coordinating capacity development activities, conducting technical assistance missions, and providing regional training primarily in national accounts and price statistics. The RSSA will work closely with various stakeholders, including IMF departments, international institutions, and national authorities, to ensure effective delivery of technical assistance and training. The position requires a strong commitment to enhancing statistical capacity and improving the quality of economic data in the region, with an emphasis on collaboration and relationship management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be required to perform a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Developing an annual work program that outlines the objectives and activities for statistical capacity development in national accounts, price indices, and other real sector statistics.
• Managing and coordinating capacity development activities with relevant IMF departments and other international institutions and bilateral agencies involved in providing technical assistance and training in real sector statistics.
• Conducting country technical assistance missions to assess needs and provide tailored support in national accounts and price statistics, as well as other areas of real sector statistics as required.
• Organizing and delivering regional training sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of national authorities in real sector statistics.
• Managing and backstopping missions conducted by short-term experts to ensure quality and consistency in the delivery of technical assistance.
• Applying IMF standards and policies, along with STA’s guidelines, in documenting capacity development activities and ensuring compliance with best practices.
• Monitoring the implementation and evaluation of capacity development activities through the IMF CDMAP IT portal to track progress and outcomes.
• Contributing to reports prepared for the AFW Steering Committee and participating in outreach activities that promote the AFW and STA’s capacity development program.
• Collaborating with the AFW Director and technical teams at IMF headquarters to align efforts and share insights on statistical capacity development in the region. 1
• Expecting to travel within the region and interact frequently with country authorities, including remote engagements, to foster relationships and facilitate effective communication.

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

• Expert knowledge in national accounts statistics, with a deep understanding of methodologies and practices.
• Experience in at least one of the following macroeconomic statistics frameworks: balance of payments/international investment position statistics, government finance statistics, or monetary and finance statistics, which is considered an asset.
• Proven expertise in national accounts methodology and compilation, demonstrated by a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the field.
• An advanced degree (Masters’ or PhD) in economics, statistics, or a related field, showcasing a strong academic foundation in relevant disciplines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English, enabling effective interaction with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management, negotiating, and influencing skills, as developing relations with national authorities is critical for the position.
• An ability to organize and coordinate capacity development support, including technical assistance and training, with relevant IMF departments, short-term experts, and other international institutions and bilateral agencies.
• A strong drive for results, with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced educational background, specifically an advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD in economics, statistics, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding complex statistical methodologies and economic principles that underpin the role of the Real Sector Statistics Advisor. The advanced degree should be complemented by relevant coursework and training in statistical analysis, economic modeling, and data interpretation, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to effectively contribute to capacity development in real sector statistics.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the field of national accounts statistics or related areas. This experience should include a demonstrated track record of working with national statistical offices, international organizations, or similar entities, focusing on statistical capacity development, technical assistance, and training. Candidates should have experience in conducting technical assistance missions, delivering training programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance statistical capabilities. A strong understanding of the challenges faced by countries in developing their statistical systems and the ability to provide practical solutions is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as the successful candidate will be required to communicate effectively with stakeholders in both languages. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for delivering training, conducting missions, and preparing reports. Additionally, knowledge of other languages spoken in the West African region may be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse audiences and facilitate communication in various contexts.

Additional Notes:
The initial appointment for the Real Sector Statistics Advisor 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 classified under the A11, A12, A13, A14 levels within the IMF, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience. The IMF is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process. Information on how to request accommodations will be provided during the application process.