IMF Economist Program PhD Graduates

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is inviting applications for its 2027 Economist Program. This opportunity is designed for recent PhD graduates and will take place at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C.The program runs for three years.

The IMF Economist Program (EP) is a prestigious 3-year institutional program designed for recent PhD graduates to turn rigorous economic research into practical policy advice. Participants work directly on real-world policy questions, country engagement (such as Article IV consultations), and surveillance across the IMF’s member nations. Successful participants are typically absorbed into IMF departments as open-ended economists upon completion.

Macroeconomics or related fields (such as finance, labor economics, development economics, and gender economics, provided candidates have a strong foundation in macroeconomic analysis).

Full-time Professional Program / Staff Position (Three-year fixed-term track with potential absorption into open-ended career roles)

• Recent PhD graduates or candidates within one year of completing a PhD.
• Individuals under 34 years old when the program begins (exceptions apply only for mandatory military service).
• Citizens of an IMF member country.
• Possessors of a solid understanding of macroeconomics, strong analytical/quantitative capabilities, and excellent written and spoken English.

Selection follows a multi-step recruitment cycle:

• Preliminary Interview: 30 to 40-minute screening on research overview and economic topics.
• Supporting Materials: Submission of PhD program transcripts, 3 academic references (non-IMF staff), and a publishable research paper or dissertation chapters.
• Panel Interview and Written Assessment: An in-person panel interview with senior IMF economists and an HR officer, alongside a 90-minute written communication test.
• Final Review: Evaluation by an internal committee of senior staff.

Citizens of any IMF member country.

IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C., USA (with international country work/travel assignments as required).

Not explicitly fixed by a quota, but structured around an annual intake cohort starting each September.

• Competitive IMF staff salary and benefits package.
• Direct hands-on experience handling macroeconomic policy, surveillance, and country work.
• G-4 visa support provided by the IMF for non-U.S. citizens.
• A direct on-ramp to a long-term career as an economist at the IMF.

Three years (consisting of two departmental assignments).