Research Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established in 1944 with the mission to promote global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. The IMF has a diverse workforce of over 2,700 employees from more than 150 countries, operating in various regions globally. The organization plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and advice to member countries, conducting economic research, and fostering international economic cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Research Analyst (RA) position at the IMF is designed for dynamic and highly motivated individuals who possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. The successful candidates will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. The RAs will engage in a variety of tasks that include data gathering, econometric analysis, and the examination of economic or statistical data sets. Additionally, they will be involved in basic programming to facilitate high-quality analyses. This role is a contractual appointment for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years based on business needs and individual performance. It is important to note that the Research Analyst positions are specifically filled with candidates who are physically residing in the local Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, ensuring that they can effectively contribute to the department's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Analyst include compiling statistical data, comparing and evaluating alternative data sources, and ensuring the consistency of series and definitions. The RA will compute data collected using statistical and econometric techniques and develop summary analyses, which will include summary tables and charts for various reports. Furthermore, the RA will develop and maintain comprehensive and fully documented cross-country databases in accordance with Fund-wide data management requirements on an ad-hoc basis. The position also involves maintaining relevant computer software, writing, updating, modifying, and executing computer programs for statistical and econometric analysis. The RA will initiate analytical work, particularly econometric analysis, that underpins the work of relevant papers and publications produced by the work unit. Participation in divisional and departmental research projects is expected, along with drafting targeted notes on selected issues relevant to the division's or department’s work program. Additionally, the RA may participate in occasional departmental missions and liaise with country authorities, academia, or financial institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or another related quantitative field. However, more competitive candidates will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field. A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in a similar role is required. Proficiency in MS Excel, including basic functions and formulas, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in the use of analytical, statistical, and econometric software packages such as STATA, EViews, R, TSP, SPSS, Matlab, and SAS. Preferred qualifications include experience working with finance, budget, people analytics, macroeconomic data, and writing macroeconomic research reports. Familiarity with database management tools such as Power BI, SQL, MS Access, and IBM Cognos BI is also advantageous. Knowledge of programming languages such as Python and C++ would be considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Research Analyst position includes a Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Data Science. Candidates with a Master's degree in these fields will be viewed more favorably, as advanced education often correlates with a deeper understanding of complex economic and statistical concepts, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Research Analyst position includes a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in a similar role. This experience should ideally involve working with statistical and econometric analysis, data management, and economic research, providing candidates with the necessary skills to perform the duties outlined in the job description effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not explicitly state mandatory languages, proficiency in English is typically required for positions at the IMF due to the international nature of the organization. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the countries with which the IMF engages, but English proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with member countries.

Additional Notes:
This position is a contractual appointment for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years of cumulative contractual service, depending on business needs and the performance of the incumbent. 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. The position is full-time and requires candidates to be located in the local Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.