Resident Scholar (Local) - MCD, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

 

The IMF Regional Office in Riyadh (ROR) is an office of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD) established in 2024 to deepen the Fund’s engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the broader Middle East and North African and Pakistan (MENAP) region. The office supports regional surveillance and capacity development through outreach and platforms for discussion among the region’s policymakers and other stakeholders. The Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Markets Economies (AUCEME), co-organized with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, is ROR flagship event. ROR supports the IMF MENA Academic Conference series launched in June 2025 and contributes to the IMF GCC regional surveillance note. It is also developing an annual conference on financial sector issues with the Central Bank of Bahrain.

ROR Resident Scholar is a position located in ROR premises in Riyadh. The Resident Scholar supports MCD’s analytical agenda by producing analytical work, e.g. drafting research papers and other analytical outputs, drafting and/or reviewing presentations for conferences and outreach events supported by ROR, and helping identify and mobilize speakers from academia and think tanks for these conferences, producing summaries of conference proceedings, compiling conferences’ key outputs into publishable documents (reports, books, pamphlets, etc.). The Resident Scholar reports to ROR director on administrative matters and to MCD’s Regional Studies Division (RSD) on analytical work. The Resident Scholar will work in collaboration with MCD policy groups and other IMF departments and aim to develop a network of economists and economic associations in the region.

The position is for a duration of 6 months, renewable one time (starting as soon as possible)

Objective of the Assignment

This assignment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the IMF’s regional engagement and enhance its impact through collaborative research. The Resident Scholar will play a pivotal role in deepening the Fund’s policy engagement in the GCC and MENAP. Administratively under ROR Director, the Resident Scholar will report to and develop his/her work program under the guidance of RSD and work with MCD policy groups and relevant IMF departments. The Resident Scholar will engage with regional academic institutions, think tanks, and associations of economists. The Resident Scholar will support ROR outreach and engagement on policy forums. 

Primary Objectives

The Resident Scholar’s work will be anchored around the production of high-quality research aligned with MCD’s priorities. In addition to research outputs, the Resident Scholar will support the organization of the AUCEME and other ROR-supported conferences and policy forums. 

Strategic Contributions

Beyond research, the scholar will actively support MCD ROR’s strategic pillars, which include:

• Policy Forums: Supporting ROR senior policy forums and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s economic institutions and analytical capabilities.
• Outreach and Engagement: Serving as a presenter or panelist at ROR-hosted events, to help disseminate research findings and foster dialogue on key regional issues.
• Editorial Support: Under RSD’s oversight, editing or co-editing compilations of analytical work supported by ROR.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts research on macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary, or structural issues as instructed by RSD and in collaboration with MCD policy groups.
• Participates in regular coordination meetings with RSD and relevant MCD policy groups to ensure relevance, integration, and alignment with the HQ work program. 
• Helps identify and mobilize academic speakers for high-level events and conferences supported by ROR (e.g., Al-Ula Conference for EMEs, MENA Research Conference, high-level roundtables co-organized with regional institutions, etc.).
• Contributes analytical notes, policy briefs, and background papers for regional events.
• Participates as lecturer or panelist in policy forums and conferences supported by ROR.
• Helps establish relationships with the economic faculties of key academic institutions and economic associations and think tanks.
• Mentors ROR economists and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing. 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in policy research, academia, or international organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in macroeconomic analysis, econometrics, or finance.
• Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong communication and drafting skills in English; Arabic is an asset but not required.
• Familiarity with IMF operations and with MENAP economies are assets but not required.

Interested candidates should submit (i) a curriculum vitae (CV), and (ii) a cover letter.

This is a locally recruited position. Compensation will be based on the United Nations salary scale for the duty station.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

Department:

MCDAI RO Middle East and Central Asia Department Immediate Office IMF Regional Office in Riyadh

Hiring For:

D

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.