Resident Scholar (Local) - MCD, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at International Monetary Fund

, , Saudi Arabia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

15 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Macroeconomic Analysis, Econometrics, Finance, Research, Policy Engagement, Analytical Writing, Public Speaking, Networking, Mentoring, Collaboration, Editing, Conference Organization, Outreach, Capacity Development, Knowledge Sharing, Presentation Skills

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

Work for the IMF. Work for the World. The IMF Regional Office in Riyadh (ROR) is an office of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD) established in 2024 to deepen the Fund’s engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the broader Middle East and North African and Pakistan (MENAP) region. The office supports regional surveillance and capacity development through outreach and platforms for discussion among the region’s policymakers and other stakeholders. The Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Markets Economies (AUCEME), co-organized with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, is ROR flagship event. ROR supports the IMF MENA Academic Conference series launched in June 2025 and contributes to the IMF GCC regional surveillance note. It is also developing an annual conference on financial sector issues with the Central Bank of Bahrain. ROR Resident Scholar is a position located in ROR premises in Riyadh. The Resident Scholar supports MCD’s analytical agenda by producing analytical work, e.g. drafting research papers and other analytical outputs, drafting and/or reviewing presentations for conferences and outreach events supported by ROR, and helping identify and mobilize speakers from academia and think tanks for these conferences, producing summaries of conference proceedings, compiling conferences’ key outputs into publishable documents (reports, books, pamphlets, etc.). The Resident Scholar reports to ROR director on administrative matters and to MCD’s Regional Studies Division (RSD) on analytical work. The Resident Scholar will work in collaboration with MCD policy groups and other IMF departments and aim to develop a network of economists and economic associations in the region. The position is for a duration of 6 months, renewable one time (starting as soon as possible) Objective of the Assignment This assignment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the IMF’s regional engagement and enhance its impact through collaborative research. The Resident Scholar will play a pivotal role in deepening the Fund’s policy engagement in the GCC and MENAP. Administratively under ROR Director, the Resident Scholar will report to and develop his/her work program under the guidance of RSD and work with MCD policy groups and relevant IMF departments. The Resident Scholar will engage with regional academic institutions, think tanks, and associations of economists. The Resident Scholar will support ROR outreach and engagement on policy forums. Primary Objectives The Resident Scholar’s work will be anchored around the production of high-quality research aligned with MCD’s priorities. In addition to research outputs, the Resident Scholar will support the organization of the AUCEME and other ROR-supported conferences and policy forums. Strategic Contributions Beyond research, the scholar will actively support MCD ROR’s strategic pillars, which include: Policy Forums: Supporting ROR senior policy forums and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s economic institutions and analytical capabilities. Outreach and Engagement: Serving as a presenter or panelist at ROR-hosted events, to help disseminate research findings and foster dialogue on key regional issues. Editorial Support: Under RSD’s oversight, editing or co-editing compilations of analytical work supported by ROR. Key Responsibilities Conducts research on macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary, or structural issues as instructed by RSD and in collaboration with MCD policy groups. Participates in regular coordination meetings with RSD and relevant MCD policy groups to ensure relevance, integration, and alignment with the HQ work program. Helps identify and mobilize academic speakers for high-level events and conferences supported by ROR (e.g., Al-Ula Conference for EMEs, MENA Research Conference, high-level roundtables co-organized with regional institutions, etc.). Contributes analytical notes, policy briefs, and background papers for regional events. Participates as lecturer or panelist in policy forums and conferences supported by ROR. Helps establish relationships with the economic faculties of key academic institutions and economic associations and think tanks. Mentors ROR economists and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing. Qualifications Ph.D. in Economics, Finance, or a related field. At least 10 years of relevant experience in policy research, academia, or international organizations. Demonstrated expertise in macroeconomic analysis, econometrics, or finance. Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Strong communication and drafting skills in English; Arabic is an asset but not required. Familiarity with IMF operations and with MENAP economies are assets but not required. Interested candidates should submit (i) a curriculum vitae (CV), and (ii) a cover letter. This is a locally recruited position. Compensation will be based on the United Nations salary scale for the duty station. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview Department: MCDAI RO Middle East and Central Asia Department Immediate Office IMF Regional Office in Riyadh Hiring For: D 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. The IMF works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, and promote high employment and sustainable economic growth. Our work on the macroeconomic benefits of challenges such as empowering women, modernizing the global trading system, and wage inequity, provides new ideas to safeguard the stability of the international monetary and financial system and addresses the world's most pressing macroeconomic and financial issues. Our 3,100 dedicated employees are leaders in their fields and collaborate to address the needs of our members and make a meaningful, positive difference to lives across the globe. This privacy notice explains how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) processes personal data collected through its recruitment portal. The IMF collects and uses various types of personal data in the context of its recruitment process in order to take steps required prior to entering into a contract. This may include contact details, work experience, education background, and professional qualifications. Access to personal data is limited to authorized IMF personnel and certain third parties, such as authorized partners or service providers who act on behalf of the IMF. These may include service providers such as background check agencies, assessment vendors, and other recruitment-related partners. If you are offered a position, your data may also be shared as necessary to comply with legal or regulatory requirements (e.g., for visa applications) or in response to lawful requests by public authorities, including law enforcement agencies. Personal data is retained in accordance with applicable IMF retention policies. You have rights in relation to your personal data. For more information about these rights and how to exercise them, please refer to the IMF's General Privacy Notice.

Responsibilities

The Resident Scholar will conduct research on macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary, or structural issues and support the organization of conferences and policy forums. They will also engage with regional academic institutions and contribute to the analytical agenda of the IMF.