Commodities Specialist, Trade Quantitative Studies

Position & Team Description

The Trade and Quantitative Studies (TQS) section is seeking a Financial Analyst (FA) to monitor energy and non-energy commodity markets, to conduct current analysis, and to participate in medium-term analytical projects.  Topics of interest include global oil, natural gas, industrial metals, and agricultural markets as well as minerals critical to the U.S. economy and the green energy transition. The TQS section produces policy analysis, forecasts, and research on U.S. international trade, trade policy, energy, and other commodity markets with a team of economists, research assistants, and a technology specialist.  TQS is a part of the Division of International Finance, which is responsible for research, policy analysis, and reporting in the areas of foreign economic activity, U.S. external trade and capital flows, and developments in international financial markets and institutions.

The FA in TQS works independently, as well as with other staff members, and: 

1. Monitors and provides ongoing analysis of global commodity market developments and trends, with a particular focus on the U.S. and global oil market balance, fuel prices, and metals and agricultural markets.
2. Produces current analysis pieces and contributes to policy notes and briefing materials on a variety of topics related to commodity markets, international trade in commodities, and critical minerals and their supply chains.
3. Works closely with economists and the division's senior staff in developing and carrying out research work or projects designed to fulfill the policy analysis and current reporting responsibilities of the division.
4. Delivers presentations to Board members and senior staff and represents the section as needed in Division, Board, and System committees and/or working groups, as well as with other internal or external contacts on matters related to areas of expertise.
5. Helps coordinate the Division’s forecast across sections, bringing together inputs from other analysts and ensuring a timely flow of information both across the Division and with other divisions.

The allocation of time among these tasks varies.

Requirements

This position requires knowledge and understanding of commodity markets and fundamentals and their interactions with the broader economy. A successful candidate will have a track record of policy-relevant analysis in these and related areas, including effective oral and written communication skills. Familiarity with data on commodity spot and futures markets, as well as data and forecasts of commodity production, consumption, and inventories (such as EIA, IEA, USGS), is preferred.  Knowledge of one or more statistical and data management packages (R, Python, Excel, SAS, SQL, Stata), in addition to experience with Bloomberg terminal, is desirable but not required.

Requires a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in economics, finance, business administration, or other related fields, and at least four years of experience in a policy or economic research environment.  This might include such places as the Federal Reserve System, an international organization such as the International Monetary Fund or Bank for International Settlements, a macroeconomic- or financial-market-oriented U.S. government department or agency, or an economic research group in the private sector.

This position is in Washington, D.C. and offers a hybrid work environment. Some onsite presence will be required.  A writing sample may be requested.