JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists)

February 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025

The South East Asian Central Banks (SEACEN) Research and Training Centre

Macroeconomic and Monetary Policy Management
Director, Macroeconomic and Monetary Policy Management

JOE ID Number: 2025-01_111475577
Date Posted: 02/01/2025
Position Title/Short Description
Title: Director, Macroeconomic and Monetary Policy Management
Section: Full-Time Nonacademic
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
JEL Classification: E0 -- General
Full Text of JOE Listing:

The SEACEN Centre (SEACEN) is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to serve as its Director of Macroeconomic and Monetary Policy Management (MMPM) on a three-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal. Based in Kuala Lumpur, SEACEN is a learning and research hub supported by 19 member central banks and monetary authorities throughout Asia and the Pacific. In addition, 16 other Asian and Pacific central banks and monetary authorities participate in the Centre’s activities as associate members and observers.

For over 40 years, SEACEN has been engaged in capacity building and fostering collaboration among its stakeholders in the areas of financial stability, financial supervision, payments, macroeconomic and monetary policy management, leadership, governance, and human capital development. SEACEN carries out its activities in the form of international courses, high-level conferences, policy summits on trending topics, webinars, podcasts, and research. SEACEN collaborates not only with its members but also with a diverse range of global institutions, including the Bank for International Settlements, International Monetary Fund, ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, Banque de France, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and others. Information about the Centre’s activities is available on its website, the Suara SEACEN blog, X (@SEACENCentre) and Linkedin (The SEACEN Centre) accounts.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic and Intellectual Leadership
- Lead and mentor a team of economists and researchers in technical and operational matters in the MMPM pillar and help achieve organizational goals.
- Lead the economists and researchers in shaping the SEACEN Centre's research agenda and delivery of research output in the MMPM area
- Lead the design, plan and implementation of high-quality MMPM programmes to attract high demand from the regional central banking community.
- Ensure effective delivery of the planned teaching and research.
- Liaise with member central banks, regional institutions, and other international institutions on the issues of regional macroeconomic development and policy cooperation to form strategic directions for MMPM.
- Actively develop partnerships with global and regional institutions that deal with macro and monetary policy agenda.
- Act as a key contributor to the SEACEN Centre’s long-term strategy, including on the annual strategic planning and managing an efficient operating budget.

Steering Research Outcomes
- Provide direction in economic research including setting agenda, designing, implementing and communicating the outcome effectively with the stakeholders.
- Apply an in-depth understanding of advanced analytical techniques and economics to synthesise macroeconomic issues.
- Develop an effective surveillance mechanism to keep abreast of global macroeconomic developments that may affect the regional economies in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Produce high-quality research papers and engage with leading journals and relevant media to publish the papers.
- Pursue collaborative research projects with selected international and regional partners, where relevant, for a cross-fertilisation of ideas to enhance the SEACEN Centre’s research outcomes.

Integration of research and learning programmes
- Integrate research and training activities seamlessly to ensure cutting-edge content for case studies and research output, and in the delivery of the learning and research programmes.
- Organise the calendar of training programmes effectively to generate substantive interest and demand from stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement
- Contribute to building and strengthening alliances with the regular members, associate members, observers and strategic partners in order to leverage on their expertise and resources to deliver high-quality value-added learning and research programmes.
- Actively seek opportunities with other leading capacity building institutions to develop new and vibrant programmes for SEACEN members.
- Provide forward-looking information and insights for further development of the SEACEN Centre’s existing and new collaborative platforms with focus on the emerging macroeconomic issues and their global and regional implications.
Interface with key stakeholders and ensure effective internal and external communications.

Learning and Growth
- Ensure the SEACEN Centre’s MMPM research and training activities remain relevant and are in line with the latest methodologies for effective central bank capacity building.
- Adequately coach and mentor the SEACEN Centre’s Economist/Senior Economists to undertake the relevant work.

Desired Attributes
- Qualification: PhD in macroeconomics, preferably in monetary economics, international economics or econometrics. Strong background in econometric or quantitative analysis is an advantage.
- Experience: At least 15 years of relevant working experience including minimum 5 years of experience in a managerial position leading a team preferably in economic research at the country/regional level, as well as a highly credible background in serving as a resource speaker and preparing case studies/learning content. An outstanding communicator, with excellent presentation skills that are effective with a variety of audiences.

The position offers a competitive, tax-free remuneration package, along with benefits such as home rental reimbursement, allowances for children's education, and other perks.

The following documents should be sent to hr@seacen.org by 2 March 2025:
- latest CV
- relevant graduate/postgraduate certificates
- current and expected salary
-cover letter
- Three (3) professional references, one each from people who have worked with you in a professional capacity and who can comment on your suitability for the advertised position (optional)
- recent passport-size photo (optional)

Additional information about the position can be obtained from Yau Woen Yin, Head of Corporate Services, at woenyin@seacen.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Application Requirements:
  • Letters of Reference
  • Cover Letter
  • CV
Application deadline: 03/02/2025