Economist/Senior Economist (Djibouti/Yemen) - MCDDC

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

The Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD) has an opening for an Economist/Senior Economist in Division C to work on Djibouti and Yemen. Both country assignments count toward the Fund’s FS/LIC policy requirements. The position is well suited for candidates motivated by high-impact work and close engagement with authorities and international partners in complex environments.

Djibouti is a low-income country and a strategic regional hub, serving as the main maritime gateway for Ethiopia. Growth has remained robust with moderate inflation. At the same time, weak domestic revenue mobilization and pressures on reserves have undermined debt sustainability and the currency board arrangement. The authorities’ reform agenda focuses on restoring debt sustainability through fiscal consolidation, SOE reform, debt negotiations, and structural transformation—most notably in the energy sector, where inefficiencies undermine competitiveness and deter private investment. 

Yemen is a low-income country and fragile state facing protracted conflict and one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Following an 11‑year hiatus, the Fund is on the threshold of resuming Article IV consultations, marking a major institutional milestone. The resumption of surveillance provides a critical anchor for policy dialogue and international support.

Engagement with Yemen requires innovative analytical approaches, close coordination across Fund departments, and sustained outreach to domestic and international stakeholders. 

The selected candidate will have substantial responsibilities to contribute to all aspects of country work on both countries, together with the other desks. Responsibilities will include economic analysis and policy formulation; the preparation of policy notes, staff reports, and other operational documents; contributing to the macroeconomic framework; interacting with the country authorities; and coordinating with CD departments, IFIs, and other development partners.

Furthermore, the selected candidate will have opportunities and be encouraged to contribute to cross-country analytical and policy work of the department. Time permitting, the candidate could also participate in MCD policy groups—all opportunities are regularly advertised in MCD.

Division C covers Djibouti, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, offering exposure to a diverse and policy‑rich portfolio.

Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications set out in the Fund’s job standards, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, quantitative, and drafting skills; attention to detail; solid knowledge of Fund policies and procedures; the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver under tight deadlines; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and resilience, judgment, and adaptability suited to fragile and high‑uncertainty environments. Working knowledge of French would be a clear advantage. This position offers a valuable opportunity to do visible, high‑impact work at the core of the Fund’s engagement with two members in need of Fund support.

A regular staff member who is selected to fill the vacancy will maintain their open-ended status. Staff members already on a term appointment will continue their current term but may receive an extension provided that their current term appointment has not already been extended.

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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.