Economist - Shanghai Center

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

The IMF Shanghai (SH) Center is a new regional research institute that serves as an information and knowledge hub. It is a pioneer of macroeconomic and financial policy research that is of interest to emerging market and middle-income countries, to allow the IMF to 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. Its activities and outputs include research papers, workshops, seminars, and other 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).

A team of economists forms the core of the SH Center’s research staff and conducts research on Asia-related macroeconomic and financial issues. The economists conduct research both independently and collaboratively, working closely with economists at IMF headquarters and with visiting scholars. The SH Center also employs research analysts to support the economists’ work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Economists 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. In addition to projects conducted exclusively at the SH Center, SH Center economists 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 are 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 organizes events for academics and policymakers, and SH Center economists 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. Strong academic references that can speak to the candidate's research ability and potential would be a plus, as would expertise in applied econometrics (including time series, panel data, and cross-sectional methods) or economic modelling, particularly 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 based on performance and staffing needs. The positions are particularly well suited to research-oriented economists seeking an opportunity to further develop their research agenda in an international, collaborative environment.

· Pay is oriented on the United Nations National Officer Scale (NO-B) 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 submit their application through the IMF recruitment portal with a cover letter and CV no later than December 15, 2026 (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.