Economist (Local), IMF Brussels Office

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

IMF Offices in Europe seek to recruit a full-time Economist based in Brussels.

This is a full-time local contractual position which carries a competitive salary and benefits package, and which will be governed by IMF employment conditions for locally recruited positions outside of headquarters. The IMF is committed to achieving a diverse staff, including with respect to gender, nationality, culture, and educational background.  The contract will be open and potentially renewable with an initial appointment term of one year.

Job Description

The economist will execute a range of tasks under the guidance of the Director of the IMF Offices in Europe and other senior staff.

The main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on economic, political, and policy developments across the EU and euro area, including by drafting regular updates to headquarters to contribute to the IMF’s engagement on European economic and financial policies.
• Locating, studying, and distilling relevant EU policy documents, proposals, and legislation to explain and report on them orally and in writing.
• Building and tapping into networks of contacts in Brussels, Frankfurt, and beyond with a view to gathering policy-relevant information, leads, and insights, and engaging with senior policymakers and stakeholders.
• Supporting the Director of the IMF Offices in Europe and other senior staff, including by gathering and analyzing relevant information and data; conceptualizing and preparing impactful graphics and slides; and helping to draft speeches.
• Traveling within Europe to attend meetings, seminars, and conferences, and make presentations, and following up with timely drafts of event reports or minutes.
• Assisting with the design, organization, and execution of events and seminars.
• Undertaking research and empirical analysis, contributing to notes and staff papers, in close collaboration with counterparts in Brussels, Paris, and at IMF headquarters in Washington.
• Assisting with office administration as needed.
• Adapting flexibly to the needs of a small office.

Qualifications

Candidates would be expected to have the following qualifications and skills:

• A Masters-level or equivalent degree and an academic background in economics.
• Five or more years of relevant work experience (e.g., econometrics, statistics, finance) or equivalent experience.   
• A thorough grasp of economics and finance, knowledge of EU institutions and key policies (among others, a solid understanding of EU fiscal rules and budget issues would be especially helpful), knowledge of IMF-relevant macroeconomic issues, and at least several years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with data management and data visualization, including relevant software packages (Excel, PowerPoint, Stata).
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Fluency in English, with a minimum of two years’ work experience in an English-language environment. A working knowledge of French and/or other European languages would be an added asset.
• Personal initiative and resourcefulness, including an ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as sound judgment in handling confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communications skills and an ability to interact effectively and tactfully with IMF counterparts as well as EU and other officials.
• Strong organizational and workflow management skills, including the ability to multi-task under pressure.
• Flexibility to work outside regular office hours as and when needed.
• Legal entitlement to work in Belgium.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview likely in March and the successful candidate would be expected to take up the post by as soon as possible thereafter.

Candidates must be nationals or residents of the duty station in Brussels or be able to independently obtain a valid work permit before starting employment with the Fund. Proof of nationality, residency, and/or work authorization will be required prior to starting employment. The IMF will not sponsor or help with obtaining work permits.  

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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.