Economist - Shanghai Center

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 core of the SH Center's staff will be formed by a group of economists who will conduct research on Asia-related macroeconomic and financial topics. They will work both independently and as part of a team, and collaborate with economists at the IMF's headquarters and visiting scholars. The SH Center will also hire research analysts to support the economists' work.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Economists will work under the general supervision of the Director and the Deputy Director of the IMF Shanghai Center. Tasks include:

• Participation in SH Center research projects. Moreover, SH Center economists will work with visiting scholars and with economists at IMF headquarters, especially in the Research Department and the Asia and Pacific Department.
• Individual research. SH Center economists will be given time to pursue their own research and boost their publication record. Cooperation with researchers from other academic and policy institutions is encouraged.
• Organization of conferences, workshops and seminars. The SH Center will organize events for academics and policymakers, and SH Center economists will often take the lead on such endeavors. Some events maybe be organized jointly with CICDC, resident representative offices, IMF departments at headquarters, universities, think tanks, and policy making institutions such as central banks.

SH Center economists can be requested to take on other organizational and administrative tasks if deemed necessary by the Director or the Deputy Director.

Qualifications and Skills

• A recent (preferably past 5 years) PhD in economics or finance, and the demonstrated ability to conduct research both independently and as part of a team. PhD students in their final year are also encouraged to apply. A publication record would be a bonus but is not required, especially not for economists who completed their PhDs relatively recently. References from academics with a strong reputation would be a significant plus, as would be expertise in either applied econometrics (both times series and panel data/cross section) or modelling, in particular general equilibrium models.
• Fluency in English, both written and orally, is a must. Command of a second, preferably Asian, language would be a plus.
• 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

• As a regional research center, the SH Center is striving for a diverse research staff, and therefore invites applications from all nationalities and backgrounds. For non-Chinese economists, the SH Center will assist with visa and work permits, in collaboration with the national and local authorities.
• Appointments are initially for one year but can be renewed.
• Pay is oriented on the United Nations National Officer 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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who match the above criteria are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and CV no later than December 8, 2025 (Beijing time). Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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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.