Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

Economist Program (EP) 2027

Work on real policy. From day one.

What could your research achieve beyond academia?

As an Economist Program participant, you will help countries tackle complex economic challenges. From your first assignment, you will contribute to policy analysis, country work, and research that informs the IMF’s work across its 191 member nations.

You will join experienced economists working on real-world policy questions. Depending on your assignment, you may analyze economic developments, assess risks, develop policy options, contribute to country engagement, or conduct research that supports policy decisions.

If you are completing or have recently completed a PhD and want to turn rigorous economic research into practical policy advice, the Economist Program could be your next step in a long-term economist career.

After successfully completing the three-year program, EPs who demonstrate strong and consistent performance are typically absorbed into the IMF as open-ended economists through vacancies advertised across departments, continuing their careers at the Fund.

Program at a Glance

• Duration: Three years
• Path after the program: Successful EPs are typically absorbed into IMF departments based on strong and consistent performance during the program.
• Structure: Two departmental assignments
• Location: IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
• Start date: September 2027
• Candidate profile: Recent PhD graduates and candidates within one year of completing a PhD
• Focus: Country work, macroeconomic policy, research, and capacity development

The two assignments provide broad exposure to the IMF’s work and help you build a strong foundation in macroeconomic policy and surveillance.

To learn more about the program and hear from current and former EP economists, visit the Economist Program page on IMF Careers.

What You’ll Work On

Your responsibilities will depend on your department and assignment. Your work may include:

Country work

• Analyze economic developments and risks for one or more countries or a region.
• Contribute to IMF country engagement, including Article IV consultations and IMF-supported programs.
• Help develop policy advice tailored to a country’s economic circumstances.

Policy analysis and advice

• Assess fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, financial sector, and external sector policies.
• Examine macro-financial linkages and risks to economic stability.
• Analyze fiscal and external debt sustainability.
• Contribute to policy and program design.
• Support work on economic governance, trade, and regional integration.

Research

• Conduct analytical work and research related to IMF policy priorities.
• Work with other IMF economists on reports, working papers, and policy publications.
• Apply economic theory, quantitative methods, and data analysis to real-world policy questions.

Capacity development

• Help member countries strengthen economic institutions, policies, and technical expertise.
• Contribute to training and technical assistance based on your assignment and area of expertise.

From your first assignment, your work will contribute to policy discussions and practical economic outcomes.

Why Join the Economist Program?

Real responsibility from day one

The EP is not a trainee program. You will be hired as an economist and take on substantive responsibilities from the beginning of your first assignment.

Broad exposure

Through two departmental assignments, you will gain experience across countries, regions, policy areas, and different parts of the IMF.

Challenging, policy-relevant work

You will work with experienced economists on complex issues affecting member countries and the global economy.

A foundation for your career

The program will help you build analytical skills, professional network, and experience as a policy economist. It is designed to provide a strong foundation for a long-term career at the IMF.

Eligibility

To be considered for the 2027 Economist Program, you must:

• Be a recent PhD graduate or be within one year of completing a PhD in macroeconomics or a related field.
• Have a solid understanding of macroeconomics and be able to explain complex economic linkages clearly.
• Be under 34 years old when the program begins in September 2027.
• Be a citizen of an IMF member country.
• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
• Possess strong analytical, quantitative, and computer skills.

The IMF welcomes applicants from a range of economics fields. You do not need to specialize exclusively in macroeconomics, but you must have a strong foundation in macroeconomic analysis and an interest in applying economics to policy questions.

Recruitment and Selection Process

The Economist Program follows an annual recruitment cycle. Applications typically open in late September. Interviews and assessments take place between October and January, offers are typically made in early February, and the incoming cohort begins the following September.

Step 1: Preliminary Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 30 to 40-minute preliminary interview.

You will provide a high-level overview of your research and discuss economic topics related to the IMF’s work. The interview also considers your analytical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Step 2: Supporting Materials

Following the preliminary interview, you may be asked to provide:

• Your most recent PhD program transcript.
• Three academic references.
• A research paper of publishable standard or one or two chapters from your dissertation.

Academic references cannot be provided by current IMF staff members.

Step 3: Panel Interview and Written Assessment

Selected candidates are invited to an in-person panel interview with two or three senior IMF economists and a Human Resources officer.

The panel assesses:

• Knowledge of monetary, fiscal, balance of payments, and financial sector issues.
• Analytical ability and policy judgment.
• Written and oral communication.
• Interpersonal skills.
• The ability to explain complex economic issues clearly and in a structured way.

Candidates also complete a 90-minute written assessment. The assessment evaluates written communication and the ability to develop a clear, well-structured response under time constraints.

Step 4: Final Review

Candidates who reach the panel stage are referred to an internal committee of senior staff for final review.

The committee considers the full set of assessment results. The panel interview and research paper review receive the greatest weight in the final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a macroeconomist to apply?

No. The IMF looks for adaptable economists who can learn new fields and bring different perspectives to its work.

You must have a solid grounding in macroeconomics and understand the IMF’s work, but EP economists come from a range of fields, including finance, labor economics, development economics, and gender economics.

Will I be able to conduct research?

Yes. Research and analytical work are important parts of the IMF’s work. IMF economists publish reports and working papers and contribute to books, journals, and other publications.

You will have opportunities to exchange ideas and collaborate with economists working across many fields. The time available for independent research will depend on your assignment, the relevance of the research to the IMF’s work, and your ability to balance research with other responsibilities.

Is the Economist Program a trainee program?

No. EP participants are hired as economists and take on substantive responsibilities from the beginning of their assignments.

How long is the program?

The program lasts three years and includes two departmental assignments.

What happens after the three-year Economist Program?

After successfully completing the three-year program, EPs who demonstrate strong and consistent performance are typically absorbed into IMF departments as economists through job vacancies advertised by economist departments. The program is designed to provide broad exposure, build policy experience, and support a long-term economist career at the IMF.

What materials may be requested after the preliminary interview?

You may be asked to provide:

• A transcript from your PhD program.
• Three academic references.
• A research paper or one or two dissertation chapters. Are there exceptions to the age limit?

The only exception is for time spent completing mandatory military service.

What visa support does the IMF provide?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States, you will require a G-4 visa. The IMF will provide the documentation needed to support your visa application with the U.S. authorities.

Ready to Launch Your Career as an IMF Economist?

Apply your research to real policy questions. Build experience across countries, departments, and economic issues. Join a global community of economists working to help countries address complex challenges.

Apply for the 2027 Economist Program.

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Hiring For:

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.