Economist Program

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

What could your research achieve beyond academia?

As an Economist Program participant, you will help countries tackle complex economic challenges. From your first assignment, you will contribute to policy analysis, country work, and research that informs the IMF’s work across its 191 member nations.

You will join experienced economists working on real-world policy questions. Depending on your assignment, you may analyze economic developments, assess risks, develop policy options, contribute to country engagement, or conduct research that supports policy decisions.

If you are completing or have recently completed a PhD and want to turn rigorous economic research into practical policy advice, the Economist Program could be your next step in a long‑term economist career.

After successfully completing the three-year program, EPs who demonstrate strong and consistent performance are typically absorbed into the IMF as open‑ended economists through vacancies advertised across departments, continuing their careers at the Fund.

• Duration: Three years
• Path after the program: Successful EPs are typically absorbed into IMF departments based on strong and consistent performance during the program.
• Structure: Two departmental assignments
• Location: IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
• Start date: September 2027
• Candidate profile: Recent PhD graduates and candidates within one year of completing a PhD
• Focus: Country work, macroeconomic policy, research, and capacity development

The two assignments provide broad exposure to the IMF’s work and help you build a strong foundation in macroeconomic policy and surveillance.

To learn more about the program and hear from current and former EP economists, visit the Economist Program page on IMF Careers.

Your responsibilities will depend on your department and assignment. Your work may include:

Country work

• Analyze economic developments and risks for one or more countries or a region.
• Contribute to IMF country engagement, including Article IV consultations and IMF-supported programs.
• Help develop policy advice tailored to a country’s economic circumstances.

Policy analysis and advice

• Assess fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, financial sector, and external sector policies.
• Examine macro-financial linkages and risks to economic stability.
• Analyze fiscal and external debt sustainability.
• Contribute to policy and program design.
• Support work on economic governance, trade, and regional integration.

Research

• Conduct analytical work and research related to IMF policy priorities.
• Work with other IMF economists on reports, working papers, and policy publications.
• Apply economic theory, quantitative methods, and data analysis to real‑world policy questions.

Capacity development

• Help member countries strengthen economic institutions, policies, and technical expertise.
• Contribute to training and technical assistance based on your assignment and area of expertise.

From your first assignment, your work will contribute to policy discussions and practical economic outcomes.

Real responsibility from day one

The EP is not a trainee program. You will be hired as an economist and take on substantive responsibilities from the beginning of your first assignment.

Broad exposure

Through two departmental assignments, you will gain experience across countries, regions, policy areas, and different parts of the IMF.

Challenging, policy‑relevant work

You will work with experienced economists on complex issues affecting member countries and the global economy.

A foundation for your career

The program will help you build analytical skills, professional network, and…