
Work for the IMF. Work for the World.
The External Policy Division (XP) of the IMF Strategy, Policy, and Review Department (SPR) has an opening for a Trade Economist. 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:
The selected candidate will primarily work on macro-critical trade and trade policy issues, focusing interchangeably on contributing to the policy and operational work of the division and developing an analytical agenda. 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.
Educational development, including and/or supplemented by work experience, typically acquired through the completion of considerable graduate work in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field of study, or equivalent, is required; or, an advanced university degree in Economics, Finance, or a related field of study, or equivalent, plus a minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience is required.
Preferably, the successful candidate should hold an advanced degree in economics, preferably at the Ph.D. level, and ideally two or more years of relevant work experience on trade issues gained in government, international organizations or academia; strong analytical skills and knowledge of international trade and trade policy as shown by a publication record or relevant work; strong knowledge of major trade policy issues facing member countries and regions, including specialized knowledge of the WTO and ongoing WTO negotiations; 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 is a one-year contractual appointment. Contractual appointments at the IMF are renewable for up to four years of cumulative contractual service, pending incumbent's performance, budget availability, and continuous business need.
All applicants are expected to include a Statement of Interest as an attachment to the application, which may be used in the screening process for this vacancy.
SPRXP Strategy, Policy, and Review Dept. External Policy Division
A11, A12, A13, A14
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.

The International Monetary Fund has a key position in promoting the health of the world economy. Established in 1944 as a part of the United Nations system, the IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries and their citizens to buy goods and services from each other. This is essential for sustainable economic growth and rising living standards.
To maintain stability and prevent crises in the international monetary system, the IMF conducts surveillance of national, regional, and global economic and financial developments. It provides advice to its 190 member countries, encouraging them to adopt policies that foster economic stability, reduce their vulnerability to economic and financial crises, and raise living standards. The IMF also serves as a forum where its global membership can discuss the national, regional, and global consequences of their policies.
The IMF makes financing temporarily available to member countries to help them address balance of payments problems—that is, when they find themselves short of foreign exchange to meet their payments to other countries.
Finally, the IMF provides countries with training to help them build the expertise and institutions they need for economic stability and growth. Supporting all of these activities is the institution's work in economic research and statistics.