Resident Scholar (Local) – MCD, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Company: International Monetary Fund –

WebSite: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Description:**Formal Option:**

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is seeking a Resident Scholar for its Regional Office in Riyadh (ROR), a branch of the Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD) established in 2024. This office aims to enhance the IMF’s engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the broader Middle East, North African and Pakistan (MENAP) region by supporting regional surveillance and capacity development through outreach and collaborative platforms. Key initiatives include the Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Markets Economies (AUCEME), co-organized with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, the IMF MENA Academic Conference series, and contributions to the IMF GCC regional surveillance note, alongside the development of an annual conference on financial sector issues with the Central Bank of Bahrain.

The Resident Scholar will contribute to MCD’s analytical agenda through the production of research papers, presentations, and other analytical outputs; assist in identifying and engaging speakers from academia and think tanks for ROR-supported conferences; and summarize conference proceedings, compiling key outputs into publishable formats. The Resident Scholar will report to the ROR Director on administrative matters and to MCD’s Regional Studies Division (RSD) on analytical work, collaborating with MCD policy groups and other IMF departments while fostering a network of economists and economic associations within the region. This is a six-month appointment, renewable once, with an anticipated start date as soon as possible.

This position presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to the IMF’s regional engagement and impact through collaborative research, playing a vital role in deepening the Fund’s policy engagement in the GCC and MENAP region. The Resident Scholar’s work will be guided by RSD and aligned with MCD’s priorities, while supporting the organization of AUCEME and other ROR-supported conferences and policy forums.

Strategic contributions will include support for MCD ROR’s policy forums and knowledge-sharing initiatives, active participation in outreach events to disseminate research findings, and editorial support for compilations of analytical work under RSD oversight.

Key responsibilities encompass:

* Conducting research on macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary, or structural issues as directed by RSD and in collaboration with MCD policy groups.
* Participating in regular coordination meetings with RSD and relevant MCD policy groups.
* Identifying and mobilizing academic speakers for ROR-supported events.
* Contributing analytical notes, policy briefs, and background papers for regional events.
* Participating as a lecturer or panelist in policy forums and conferences.
* Establishing relationships with academic institutions, economic associations, and think tanks.
* Mentoring ROR economists and contributing to internal knowledge-sharing.

Qualifications:

* Ph.D. in Economics, Finance, or a related field.
* A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in policy research, academia, or international organizations.
* Demonstrated expertise in macroeconomic analysis, econometrics, or finance.
* A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
* Excellent communication and drafting skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is desirable.
* Familiarity with IMF operations and MENAP economies is advantageous.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter. This is a locally recruited position, with compensation based on the United Nations salary scale for the duty station. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The IMF is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process.

Skills: