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General Description of the Position

The Advisor to the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund requires analytical

and representation duties. The position is located at the IMF in Washington, D.C. and is for

a two-year term. The Advisor is appointed by the Executive Director on recommendation by

the authorities from the Advisor’s home country.

The Office of the Executive Director covers a constituency of 15 countries: Australia,

Kiribati, Korea, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua

New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The Office comprises an Executive Director, two Alternate Executive Directors, two Senior

Advisors, four Advisors, one Externally Financed Advisor and two administrative assistants.

With the exception of the administrative assistants, each of the other officers is appointed

based on a representation agreement amongst the members of the constituency.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Director, the Alternate Executive Director, and the Senior

Advisor with work relating both to the Board and to the more general interests of the

members of the constituency as members of the IMF.

• Under the supervision of the ED, AED and Senior Advisor, analyze and prepare

briefing and draft statements on the various papers produced by the staff for the Board

(and in relevant Board committees), as well as the more specialized papers produced

by Fund staff, taking into account comments from capitals, if available.

• Represent the Executive Director at Board meetings as required. The Advisor is

responsible for keeping a record of Board discussions he/she has attended and for

preparing a concise report (where required) that can be sent to capitals shortly after the

completion of the relevant meeting; timely reporting is very important.

• Oversee the interests of one or more countries in the constituency by maintaining close

contact with and monitoring developments in those countries; by responding to their

requests and preparing material for Board discussions relating to Article IV and, where

appropriate, program reviews; and by participating in Fund missions to the relevant

members of the constituency on behalf of the ED.

• Read and review the working and research papers prepared by staff, with a view to

drawing work to the attention of member countries where they think it would interest

them.2

• Develop and maintain good working relations with staff and other EDs' offices so as to

gain a better understanding of the views of staff and other countries, and try to

influence outcomes.

• Assist in the preparation of briefings for constituent countries for the Spring and

Annual Meetings, as well as help out as required on the administrative side in the lead

up to and during these meetings.

• Undertake other functions that the ED may designate from time to time.

Required Skills and Competencies

A. Analytical Skills

The position requires analytical skills of a high order and relevant university training in

economics. Much of the work of the Fund relates to macroeconomic issues and it is

particularly important for officers to think and analyze issues in a broad economic

framework. The emphasis should be on trying to generate ideas and thoughts that are not

necessarily covered in the staff papers; that is, on adding value to the debate rather than

regurgitating ideas covered in staff papers, although it is important to understand and be able

to explain the arguments staff are making. In this regard, extensive working experience in

economic policy making in an appropriate governmental or non-governmental organization,

and preferably a ministry of finance and economy, or a central bank.

B. Communication Skills

An ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, at a high standard is

essential. When matters are being discussed in the Board or with other offices or staff,

sensitivity needs to be shown to the views of others and some effort placed on the most

effective way of communicating our own views, in different cultural contexts. Proficiency in

standard computer software (Word, Excel, MS Outlook) is essential.

C. Interpersonal Skills

Maintaining and developing good contact with other offices and staff is essential to the

effective performance of an Advisor and a considerable effort must be placed on this; such

informal contacts can be very important in shaping the way in which issues are handled in the

Board. An Advisor also needs to be able to work effectively in a small office representing 14

countries with a broad range of interests and background.

D. Resourcefulness

The willingness and ability to suggest and develop new approaches to getting the work

done; going around unnecessary obstacles where possible; and a willingness to go outside the

normal range of duties to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Office.3

E. Institutional Knowledge

It is very important to develop a good understanding of the IMF’s purposes and basic

operations (as reflected, inter alia, in the Articles of Agreement and decisions of the

organization); the role of the Executive Board; and the relationship between the Board and

management and staff. A sound understanding of the Fund's organizational structure is

important, and a particular understanding of those departments that we work closely with,

including the Asia and Pacific, Policy Development and Review, and Secretary's

Department. It is also impor