IMF Economist Program for Recent PHD Graduates

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Economist Program is seeking talented young economists to join its 2025 Economist Program cohort. As part of this program, you will work on critical global economic issues, applying your academic expertise to IMF’s policy-related initiatives that impact its 190 member countries. The IMF Economist Program is looking for individuals who can bring innovative economic thought and a multidisciplinary approach to tackle challenges like global monetary cooperation, financial stability, international trade, employment, sustainable economic growth, and poverty reduction.

Responsibilities:

The IMF Economist Program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive experience, forming a strong foundation for a career as an economist at the IMF. Over the three-year program, you will rotate through two departments, working with economic teams on various issues related to regional and country-specific surveillance, as well as fiscal, monetary, balance of payments, and debt-related topics. Key responsibilities will include:

• Policy development, operational work at regional or country levels, research, and capacity development.
• Engaging in real work from the start, not a training role, with significant responsibilities as an economist.

By the end of the IMF Economists program, participants are expected to continue their careers as IMF economists.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• PhD (recently completed or expected to be completed within one year of joining) in fields such as macroeconomics, finance, public finance, monetary economics, international economics, trade, poverty issues, macro-climate, political economy, econometrics, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of macroeconomics and use of conceptual frameworks to explain complex ideas across different sectors.
• Excellent academic record and proven analytical, quantitative, and IT skills.
• Be a national of an IMF member country.
• Be under 34 years of age by September 8, 2025.
• Strong English writing and communication skills.

Desirable Qualities

• A passion for contributing to the economic well-being of IMF member countries.
• Interest in working on global economic policy issues that impact lives worldwide.
• Flexibility and openness to work on a range of assignments, including operational, analytical, and research tasks.
• Strong collaboration skills and cultural agility.
• Willingness to travel and learn foreign languages.

Application Process

The IMF Economist Program application process opens annually in late September, and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed from October to January. Offers are typically extended in early February.

Selection Process:

1. Preliminary interview (30-40 minutes) covering your research and economic topics related to the IMF’s work.
2. Submission of academic transcripts, references, and a research paper or dissertation chapters.
3. Panel interview with senior IMF economists and a Human Resources officer, focusing on monetary, fiscal, balance of payments, and financial sector knowledge, alongside behavioral skills.
4. Completion of a psychometric assessment and a written exam to assess behavioral skills and writing abilities.
5. Final review by a senior staff committee, with the final selection based on multiple factors, including interview performance, research paper, and assessment results.

Program Start Date

Selected candidates will join the IMF as part of the Economist Program in September 2025.

For more information, visit the official webpage of the IMF Economist Program.