Work for the IMF. Work for the World.
The IMF Shanghai (SH) Center is a new regional research institute that is currently in the process of building up operations. The Center will serve as an information and knowledge hub, and pioneer macroeconomic and financial policy research of interest to emerging market and middle-income countries, to allow the IMF gain a deeper understanding of Asia-Pacific perspectives and to serve as a bridge between academia in Asia and economists at the IMF’s headquarters in Washington DC. Outputs will include research papers, conferences, and events for policymakers and academics. The SH Center is located in the Huangpu district of Shanghai and shares a building with the China-IMF Capacity Development Center (CICDC).
The research (economic) analysts will be part of the Center’s research staff and support the work of the SH Center management, its economists and visiting scholars, in conducting research on Asia-related macroeconomic and financial topics.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in Shanghai Center research projects. Initiate analytical work, especially econometric analysis, and underpin the work on papers and publications produced by the Center. Assist with the organization of research seminars and conferences.
- Compile statistical data, compare and evaluate alternative data sources, and ensure consistency of series and definitions. Evaluate data using statistical and econometric techniques. Develop and maintain comprehensive and fully documented databases.
- Maintain relevant computer software, as well as write, update, modify, and execute computer programs for statistical and econometric analysis.
Qualifications and Skills
- Education and experience. A Master’s degree in economics, finance, statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science, or another related quantitative field. Relevant work experience (e.g., econometrics, statistics, finance) would be a plus.
- Work skills. Proficiency in MS Excel, as well as in the use of analytical, statistical, and econometric software packages such as STATA, EViews, R, TSP, SPSS, Matlab, and SAS. Experience in working with financial and macroeconomic data sets would be plus, as would be the ability to use a range of visual presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, MS Excel charts, Tableau, Keynote) and database management tools (Power BI, SQL, MS Access, IBM Cognos BI).
- Fluency in English, both written and orally, is a must.
- Strong interpersonal and open communication skills, including a collegial approach to work. The ability to deal tactfully and in a professional manner in a multi-national environment, with staff and visitors from different cultures and backgrounds.
Employment Conditions
- Appointments are initially for one year but can be renewed. Research Analysts are expected to stay no longer than four years at the IMF Shanghai Center, however.
- Pay is oriented on the United Nations National Officer A-Scale and is exempt from Chinese income tax. Compensation includes health insurance, a cash allowance paid along with salary, and a lump sum payment at separation in lieu of a pension. The SH Center may be able to assist with access to housing in the Huangpu district, in cooperation with the local authorities.
- Viable candidates must be nationals or residents of China 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 SH Center will not sponsor or provide assistance for obtaining work permits.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who match the above criteria should apply by no later than March 25, 2026. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Department:
APDNA Asia and Pacific Department North Asia Division
Hiring For:
A
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.
