Application Deadline: December 5, 2026 

Applications are now open for the 2027 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Economist Program. 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. The program lasts three years and includes two departmental assignments.

Program Profile

• 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

Eligibility

To be considered for the 2027 Economist Program, you must:

• Be a recent PhD graduate or be within one year of completing a PhD in macroeconomics or a related field.
• Have a solid understanding of macroeconomics and be able to explain complex economic linkages clearly.
• Be under 34 years old when the program begins in September 2027.
• Be a citizen of an IMF member country.
• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
• Possess strong analytical, quantitative, and computer skills.

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.

Application Timeline:

Step 1: Preliminary Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 30 to 40-minute preliminary interview.

You will provide a high-level overview of your research and discuss economic topics related to the IMF’s work. The interview also considers your analytical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Step 2: Supporting Materials

Following the preliminary interview, you may be asked to provide:

• Your most recent PhD program transcript.
• Three academic references.
• A research paper of publishable standard or one or two chapters from your dissertation.

Academic references cannot be provided by current IMF staff members.

Step 3: Panel Interview and Written Assessment

Selected candidates are invited to an in-person panel interview with two or three senior IMF economists and a Human Resources officer.

The panel assesses:

• Knowledge of monetary, fiscal, balance of payments, and financial sector issues.
• Analytical ability and policy judgment.
• Written and oral communication.
• Interpersonal skills.
• The ability to explain complex economic issues clearly and in a structured way.

Candidates also complete a 90-minute written assessment. The assessment evaluates written communication and the ability to develop a clear, well-structured response under time constraints.

Step 4: Final Review

Candidates who reach the panel stage are referred to an internal committee of senior staff for final review.

The committee considers the full set of assessment results. The panel interview and research paper review receive the greatest weight in the final decision.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Economist Program