Economic Counsellor and Director - Research Department

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

The IMF is seeking an Economic Counsellor and Research Department Director. As the IMF’s Chief Economist, the Economic Counsellor and Research Department Director works under the overall guidance of the Managing Director and in close collaboration with other members of the IMF’s management team. The Chief Economist is responsible for providing intellectual leadership and strategic vision in planning, managing, and supervising the work of the Research Department (RES) and its staff. The Chief Economist also supports the management of the IMF and is expected to contribute to the development of IMF strategies and policies.

The Research Department plays a lead role and is responsible for conducting forward-looking strategic research and analysis on the stability of the international monetary and financial system, with a strong emphasis on macroeconomic, international trade and finance issues. The department’s workstreams includes (i) policy-oriented research and analysis that supports the IMF’s work in individual member countries, including advanced economies, emerging markets, and low-income countries; (ii) preparing the World Economic Outlook Report and global macroeconomic projections, as well as contributions to the G-20, G-7, and other international fora; (iii) playing a central role in multilateral surveillance activities, preparing the External Sector Report and supporting the IMF’s crisis prevention work; (iv) supporting area departments with bilateral surveillance and technical assistance; (v) contributing to public outreach on issues under the mandate of the IMF, as well as seminars and conferences in the area of macroeconomics, international trade and finance; and (vi) maintaining close contacts between the IMF and the academic community and other research organizations, as well as with other international organizations.

The successful candidate should have:

• An advanced degree in economics or equivalent, and at least 15-20 years of extensive experience in macroeconomics.

• Be a recognized thought leader with intellectual leadership in macroeconomic, international trade and finance issues, evidenced by a strong academic publication record and active policy interest.

• Ability to anticipate shifting analytical and research needs and build effective working relationships and foster close cooperation with relevant external counterparts.

• Ability to guide and support the transformation of the Fund’s analytical and forecasting framework, including strong leadership in supporting the integration of AI and other technologies to enhance the agility and effectiveness of multilateral surveillance.

• Ability to communicate in a clear, persuasive, tactful, impactful and inspiring manner—capacity to engage effectively with media as the face of the Fund on the global economic outlook and internally as the face of the department within the Fund.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across the institution with multiple internal stakeholders (e.g., the Executive Board, management, and other departments), building relationships and coalitions that foster common understanding and efficient decision-making.

• Outstanding leadership skills and demonstrated ability to think strategically, translate priorities into effective plans, champion innovation and change, and build/strengthen institutional capacity. 

• Strong track record in organizing, delegating, and managing staff, complemented by excellent interpersonal, negotiating, influencing, and communication skills.

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The IMF is guided by the principle that the employment, classification, promotion, and assignment of staff shall be made without discrimination against any person. We welcome requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process. Information on how to request accommodations will be provided during the application process.