Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) was established in 1992 through a collaboration between the Austrian authorities, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and several other international organizations. The JVI serves as a regional training center that focuses on providing high-quality training for public sector officials from various countries, primarily in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the Caucasus and Central Asia. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of public officials through courses, seminars, and workshops that cover a wide range of economic topics. The JVI operates with a mission to foster economic understanding and capacity building in the region, leveraging the expertise of its partner institutions to deliver effective training programs.

Job Overview:
The JVI is currently seeking an Economist with a specialization in fiscal policy and public finance. The successful candidate will join a faculty of seven economists who possess diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. The primary function of the Fiscal Economist will be to provide in-depth analysis and design of fiscal policies, focusing on fiscal sustainability, public financial management, and fiscal risk analysis. The role requires a strong background in fiscal policy, ideally with experience in advising on or implementing such policies. The position emphasizes teaching, curriculum development, institutional engagement, research, and technical assistance, making it essential for the candidate to have a comprehensive understanding of macroeconomic and fiscal policy areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of key duties, including:

• Teaching: Delivering and coordinating training sessions across macroeconomic and fiscal policy areas, 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 offerings sponsored by the JVI in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Institutional Engagement: Organizing public seminars, participating in outreach activities, contributing to internal working groups, and mentoring junior staff where applicable.
• Research: Conducting applied research that aligns with the mission of the JVI.
• Technical Assistance: Contributing to IMF or partner-led technical assistance projects as relevant and as time permits.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in analyzing public finance issues and/or formulating fiscal policy. International work experience, particularly in the countries within the JVI region, is highly advantageous. A proven record of teaching experience, especially in fiscal policy, is required, with additional experience in econometrics or modeling considered a plus. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of current fiscal challenges in the JVI catchment area. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, while proficiency in Russian is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Ph.D. in economics, or near completion, is preferred for this position. The candidate should demonstrate a capacity for conducting high-quality research, which is a critical component of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in public finance analysis and fiscal policy formulation. Experience working internationally and familiarity with the JVI region will be beneficial for candidates.

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

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term position initially for 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 the candidate's experience and qualifications. The JVI promotes a flexible work environment that values work-life balance. Staff members at the JVI are exempt from national immigration restrictions and hold the status of employees of international organizations in Austria, although they do not possess diplomatic status. The JVI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and nationalities. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and CV as part of their application, which will be used in the screening process. The deadline for applications is set for Friday, June 6, 2025, with the expectation that the successful candidate will commence their role in January 2026 or shortly thereafter.