IMF Research Analyst

For ambitious graduates with a passion for economics, data, and global policy, few opportunities are as prestigious and career-shaping as the Research Analyst Program (RAP) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Designed as a two-year, full-time, entry-level program, the RAP offers talented individuals the chance to work at the forefront of global economic research while gaining invaluable hands‑on experience before pursuing advanced academic or professional paths.

Based at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Research Analyst Program brings together bright minds from across the world to contribute to research and policy work that directly influences global financial stability, international trade, and sustainable economic growth.

The IMF is one of the world’s most influential international organizations, with a mission to foster global monetary cooperation
, secure financial stability
, facilitate international trade
, and promote high employment and sustainable economic growth
. With 190 member countries and over 3,100 dedicated professionals, the IMF plays a central role in addressing some of the most complex macroeconomic and financial challenges facing the global economy today.

By joining the Research Analyst Program, participants do not simply gain work experience—they become part of a global effort to shape policies that affect millions of lives worldwide.

The Research Analyst Program is specifically designed for recent graduates with strong quantitative and analytical skills. It provides a structured, immersive experience that allows participants to support IMF economists in cutting‑edge research and operational work.

Key features of the program include:

• Two-year contractual appointment
• Full-time role based in Washington, D.C.
• Global recruitment
  , welcoming applicants from all geographical regions
• Exposure to real-world economic and financial policy analysis
• Strong preparation for graduate studies, including programs that require predoctoral (PREDOC) experience

For many alumni, the RAP has served as a springboard to top graduate programs in economics, finance, public policy, data science, and related fields.

As a Research Analyst under the RAP, you will work closely with IMF economists and other professionals on a wide range of analytical and research projects. Your responsibilities will be both intellectually demanding and professionally rewarding.

• Conducting economic and financial research in support of IMF policy and operational work
• Collecting, compiling, and cleaning macroeconomic data from diverse global sources
• Maintaining and updating economic, financial, and statistical databases
• Performing quantitative and econometric analysis using advanced statistical tools
• Evaluating economic and financial relationships within large datasets
• Analyzing economic time series data to identify trends and policy implications
• Designing systems to facilitate data transfer between external and in‑house databases
• Collaborating with economists on analytical projects and reports
• Staying current with the latest developments in economics and related disciplines

This role demands precision, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of responsibility, as Research Analysts are accountable for the accuracy of both data and analytical outputs.

The IMF is seeking motivated, detail‑oriented, and analytically strong candidates who are eager to contribute to global economic research.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Recent completion of a bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, finance, data science, or another related quantitative field
• Candidates with advanced degrees may be considered if they have limited combined professional experience
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent for international qualifications), both overall and in the principal field of study
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong sense of accountability for data accuracy and program reliability
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills
• Outsta…