Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

The External Policy Division (XP) of the IMF Strategy, Policy, and Review Department (SPR) has Trade Economist openings. The XP Division coordinates SPR's work on exchange rates and international capital flow issues and leads IMF-wide work on global trade policy issues and WTO relations. The division’s trade policy work has three broad functions:

-          Providing in-house advice and expertise on trade policy matters, including implications of trade developments for the global economy. This role includes briefing the IMF Executive Board on major trade policy issues and their macroeconomic implications, advising IMF Management and senior staff, and preparing or maintaining high-level talking points and background briefings.

-          Support IMF country teams in their engagement with member authorities. This role includes developing and maintaining policy guidance, reviewing country documents, advising country teams, and leading or participating in trade discussions with country authorities.

-          Policy analysis and development. As part of the IMF’s voice in global economic debates, this role includes bringing rigorous contributions on trade policy and related macroeconomic issues to high-level policy audiences, including in the G-20 and other international fora. This role is often exercised in partnership with the WTO and other International Organizations, and by joint work with other IMF departments.

In carrying out this work, the division collaborates closely with IMF staff in the IMF’s several Area Departments and in the Fiscal Affairs Department, Legal Department, and Research Department. Close, regular cooperation with WTO staff benefits from the IMF-WTO Cooperation Agreement and is instrumental to the division’s trade work.

Duties

The selected candidate will primarily work on macro-critical trade and trade policy issues with a focus on developing an analytical agenda and contributing to the policy and operational work of the division in this area. The position will also involve advising senior staff and country teams/mission chiefs, including through the review process, and contributing to a broad range of divisional responsibilities in the other areas of work.

Qualifications

Educational development, typically acquired by the completion of an advanced university degree, supplemented by a minimum of four years of relevant professional work experience, typically acquired through the completion of considerable graduate work in economics, is required.

Ideally two or more years of professional work experience will be in trade issues and gained in government, international organizations or academia; strong analytical skills and knowledge of international trade and trade policy as shown by a publication record; sound policy judgment; ability to think creatively; excellent written and oral communication skills; and the capacity to execute multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cooperate and communicate effectively with staff across and outside the department and institution are also important.

This vacancy shall be filled by a 3-year Term appointment in accordance with the Fund’s new employment rules that took effect on May 1, 2015.

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The IMF is committed to achieving a diverse staff, including age, creed, culture, disability, educational background, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, nationality, race, religion and beliefs, and sexual orientation.