Economist / Senior Economist - CEMAC (AFRC2)

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Typically Reports to: Mission Chief, Deputy Division Chief

The African Department’s Central II Division has a desk assignment for an Economist to work as the CEMAC desk.

The CEMAC monetary union includes 6 countries, spanning the categories of fragile states, low-income countries, middle income countries and frontier markets (Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo). All CEMAC members are program or near-program countries.

The CEMAC team leads dialogue with regional institutions—regional central bank (BEAC), financial supervisor (COBAC), and the CEMAC Commission—on policy assurances needed to underpin the programs in the region. The CEMAC faces a difficult economic and financial situation amid large fiscal imbalances, intensified sovereign-bank nexus and dwindling external buffers, raising interesting questions about the Fund’s regional engagement strategy. The region will need to continue to pursue a regionally coordinated strategy to restore fiscal and external sustainability, with the support of national governments, CEMAC regional institutions and international partners, including the Fund. With country programs expected to anchor fiscal adjustment, CEMAC regional institutions’ main objectives are to support rebuilding regional reserves, strengthen the financial sector, and support structural reforms. The position offers a unique opportunity to work on a regional program and play a central role in the coordination with CEMAC country teams.

This assignment will count toward the required 2-year requirement to apply for A15 opportunities under the new Fungible Macroeconomist Career Framework.

Tasks: The selected candidate will be part of a team conducting the review of regional policy assurances supporting the programs. The selected candidate will be involved in the analysis of all sectors of the economy (with a focus on one or two sectors), policy discussions, and preparation of documents. He/she will also be expected to carry out research and analytical work on the region. The selected candidate will be involved in drafting the policy note and staff report for the regional policy assurances, the note for the Tripartite meeting with CEMAC ministers of finance and regional institutions, organizing the CEMAC breakfast (Annual Meetings) and participating in the review and Article IV missions.

Central II Division comprises the following countries: Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and CEMAC.

Questions on this job posting should be addressed to Roland Kpodar, Mission Chief CEMAC, Advisor, African Department.

Qualifications:

In addition to the qualifications set forth in the job standards, the successful candidate must have a strong background in macroeconomics with good knowledge of Fund policies and practices. He/she should have a strong interest in analytical work and cross-country surveillance. He/she should have excellent drafting and be able to manage his/her time well. He/she must also have sound analytical and data management skills as well as strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. Given the pressures currently facing the region, resourcefulness in handling unexpected events and ability to work effectively under pressure are essential. Working knowledge of French would be a strong advantage.

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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.