Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) is a regional training center established in 1992 through a collaboration between the Austrian authorities, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and several other international organizations. The JVI's mission is to provide high-quality training for public sector officials primarily from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the Caucasus and Central Asia. The organization operates with a focus on delivering courses, seminars, and workshops that cover a wide range of economic topics, leveraging the expertise of its partner institutions. The JVI has a faculty of seven economists who bring diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise to the training programs, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience for participants.

Job Overview:
The JVI is currently seeking a Macroeconomist to join its faculty and contribute to macroeconomic analysis and policy development. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and substantive expertise in applied macroeconomics, particularly in areas such as business cycle dynamics, monetary and fiscal policy, structural issues, and vulnerability assessments. The role involves teaching, curriculum development, institutional engagement, research, and providing technical assistance, often in collaboration with the IMF and other partners. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver and coordinate training sessions, evaluate and update existing courses, design new offerings, and engage with stakeholders to enhance the JVI's educational impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Teaching: Delivering and coordinating training in macroeconomic policy, often in collaboration with the IMF, Austrian authorities, or other partners. Teaching is the primary responsibility of JVI economists.
• Curriculum Development: Evaluating and updating existing courses, as well as designing new JVI-sponsored offerings in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Institutional Engagement: Organizing public seminars, participating in outreach events, contributing to internal working groups, and mentoring junior staff where applicable.
• Research: Conducting applied research that aligns with the JVI’s mission and contributes to the broader understanding of macroeconomic issues.
• Technical Assistance: Providing support for IMF or partner-led technical assistance initiatives, as relevant and time permits.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in analyzing macroeconomic issues and/or formulating macroeconomic policy. International work experience and familiarity with the countries in the JVI region are advantageous. A proven record of teaching experience, particularly in applied macroeconomics, is essential, with additional experience in econometrics or modeling being a plus. Candidates should have knowledge of current macroeconomic challenges in the JVI catchment area. A Ph.D. (or near completion) in economics is preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Ph.D. in economics or a related field, or candidates who are near completion of their doctoral studies. The educational background should include a strong foundation in macroeconomic theory and applied economics, with a focus on research methodologies and quantitative analysis. Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for high-quality research and a thorough understanding of macroeconomic principles and policies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of relevant experience in analyzing macroeconomic issues and formulating macroeconomic policy. Experience working internationally, particularly in the JVI region, is highly desirable. Proven teaching experience in applied macroeconomics is essential, and familiarity with econometric modeling is an added advantage. The candidate should also have a track record of conducting research that contributes to the understanding of macroeconomic challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with outstanding oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in Russian is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for an initial duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to eight years in total. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The JVI promotes a flexible work environment that values work-life balance. Staff members are exempt from national immigration restrictions and hold the status of employees of international organizations in Austria, although they do not have diplomatic status. The JVI is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds and nationalities. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and CV as part of the application process, which will be used in the screening for this vacancy. The deadline for applications is set for Friday, June 6, 2025, with the expectation that the successful candidate will begin their role in January 2026 or shortly thereafter.