## IMF | Research Analyst Program Brief ## Source details **Canonical URL:** [IMF | Research Analyst Program Brief](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/about/careers/rap/research-analyst-program-downloadable-brief.pdf) ## Other formats - [Markdown version](/-/media/files/about/careers/rap/research-analyst-program-downloadable-brief.pdf.md) - [Structured JSON version](/-/media/files/about/careers/rap/research-analyst-program-downloadable-brief.pdf.json) --- ### Overview - The International Monetary Fund's Research Analyst Program (RAP) is a two-year opportunity for recent bachelor’s or master’s graduates to gain real-world experience in the IMF's operational and policy work. - RAP participants support IMF economists through research, data analysis, information management, and analytical work that contributes to issues affecting IMF member countries. - The program is designed to help participants use and strengthen quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, expand their knowledge of technology and information systems, and build research experience in an international policy environment. - RAP participants are hired from around the world, and all positions are based at IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. ### About the Program - Research Analysts contribute to the analytical and research work that supports the IMF’s member-country advice and broader economic work. - Practical exposure areas include: - Economic research and analysis - Quantitative and qualitative data management - Statistical and econometric analysis - Economic, financial, and statistical databases - Information systems and data interfaces - Applied analytical support for IMF economists - RAP vacancies are posted periodically through Workday based on the availability of positions. Applications from all geographical areas are welcome. - Duration: 2 years - Location: Washington, D.C. - Eligibility: Recent bachelor’s, ongoing/completed master’s degree or relevant advanced degree with limited experience ### What RAP Participants Do - RAP participants typically support the work of IMF economists. Duties may include: - Research, data collection, database management - Statistical and econometric processing - Time series analysis - Systems work to support data transfer between external and in-house databases - Research and Information Support - Research, collect, and compile economic, financial, statistical, and policy information to support IMF economists and analytical teams. - Data Management - Maintain and update quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, or statistical databases used in IMF research and analysis. - Data Processing and Transformation - Process, consolidate, and transform datasets within and across databases using statistical and/or econometric techniques. - Statistical and Economic Analysis - Evaluate economic, financial, or statistical relationships in databases and analyze economic time series data. - Systems and Data Interfaces - Design systems or processes that facilitate data interfaces or transfer data between external and in-house databases. ### Candidate Profile - Intended for recent graduates with strong academic records and analytical capabilities. - Academic Qualifications - Candidates must have recently completed a bachelor’s degree or pursuing/completed a master’s program in one of the following fields: - Economics - Computer science - Statistics - Finance - Mathematics - Business administration - Candidates with advanced degrees in the same relevant fields may be considered if they have limited combined professional experience. - Academic Record - Candidates must have at least a 3.5/4.0 cumulative GPA in both their principal field of study and overall academic program. - Final academic transcripts verifying the required GPA must be submitted before appointment. - Core Skills and Competencies - Quantitative and qualitative analytical skills - Research skills - Data management skills - Statistical and econometric techniques - Technology and information systems knowledge - Clear written and analytical communication ### Recruitment Process - RAP vacancies are posted in Workday periodically throughout the year based on the availability of positions. Applications are accepted globally. Candidates are encouraged to subscribe to Workday notifications for new positions. - Step 1: Application - Candidates apply through Workday. - Step 2: Application Review - Applications are reviewed against RAP eligibility requirements, including academic background, GPA requirement, relevant field of study, and analytical fit. - Step 3: Eligibility Verification - Academic transcripts (or unofficial transcript) verifying the required GPA must be submitted at the time of application in Workday. - Step 4: Appointment - All RAP positions are located at IMF Headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. ### Why Join the Research Analyst Program? - Real-World Analytical Experience - RAP participants gain practical experience in the IMF’s operational and policy work while supporting economists on research, data, and analytical assignments. - Exposure to IMF Economic Work - Research Analysts support the economic work of the IMF and contribute to analytics and research underlying member-country advice. - Data and Research Skills - The program helps participants strengthen quantitative and qualitative analysis, database management, technology, information systems, and research skills. - Preparation for Future Analytical Paths - Former RAP participants have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of analytical roles, and many have secured places in top academic institutions. ### Related Pathway: Research Analyst Vacancies - Separate Research Analyst vacancies outside the RAP are filled on a continuous basis through contractual appointments, initially up to 12 months, renewable for a maximum duration of 4 years. - Unlike the RAP, separate Research Analyst vacancies are open only to candidates physically residing in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for a visa through the IMF. - Separate Research Analyst vacancies’ qualifications: - Bachelor’s or master’s (preferred) degree(s) in economics, statistics, mathematics, finance, computer science, or another related quantitative field - Two years of relevant work experience in a similar field - Proficiency in statistical, econometric, graphical presentation, and database-management tools - The RAP, by contrast, is open to candidates outside the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. ### Frequently Asked Questions - How long is the Research Analyst Program? - The Research Analyst Program is for two years. - Where are RAP positions located? - All RAP positions are located at IMF Headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. - Who can apply for the RAP? - The RAP is open to candidates hired on a wide geographical basis. Applicants must have recently completed a bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or business administration. Candidates with a master’s degree in the same relevant fields may be considered if they have limited combined professional experience. - What GPA is required? - Candidates must have at least a 3.5/4.0 cumulative GPA in both their principal field of study and overall academic program. - What kind of work do RAP participants do? - RAP participants typically support IMF economists by researching and compiling information, maintaining databases, processing and transforming datasets, evaluating economic or statistical relationships, analyzing time series data, and designing systems for data interfaces. - When are RAP vacancies posted? - RAP vacancies are posted throughout the year based on the availability of positions. - How can I stay informed about new RAP opportunities? - Candidates are encouraged to subscribe to Workday email notifications for new positions. - Is the RAP the same as a Research Analyst vacancy? - No. The RAP is a two-year program open to candidates outside the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, while separate Research Analyst vacancies are 1-4 years contractual appointments that are open only to candidates physically residing in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. --- _Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/about/careers/rap/research-analyst-program-downloadable-brief.pdf_