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Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence

Career Opportunities

Economic Analyst

Work Schedule: Full Time
Salary: $48,682 - $95,026*
Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area


The CIA's Directorate of Intelligence (DI) seeks economists to assess foreign economic policies and foreign financial issues - licit as well as illicit - that affect US security interests. They work closely with political, leadership and military analysts throughout the Intelligence Community in producing current and longer-term intelligence products. There is a particular need for country/regional economists with strong backgrounds in China, the Middle East and South Asia, and for specialists in international banking systems, financial markets, financial transactions, financial instruments, and energy. Economic analysts will also assess illicit financial activities, including networks used by terrorist and criminal groups, financing and procurement of weapons of mass destruction, money laundering and corruption among foreign governments and companies. Agency analysts are encouraged to maintain and broaden professional ties through academic study, contacts and attendance at professional meetings. They may also choose to pursue additional studies in fields relevant to their areas of responsibility. Opportunities exist for foreign travel, language training, analytic and management training, and assignments in other offices in the Agency and throughout the US Government.

*Higher starting salary possible depending on experience level.


Minimum Requirements: Candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, finance, business administration, international management, or economic crimes management or a related area, with a strong concentration in international finance, banking, or business, are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a strong macroeconomic background, excellent financial analysis and analytical skills, and foreign area expertise and language skills will also be considered. A GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale is required.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required.

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

To Apply:

Make a note of the position(s) that interest you, as you can apply for up to four positions in one application. DO NOT submit multiple applications; this will only slow the review of your application, and delay processing. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before you begin the online application process.

Application Instructions

An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.


Posted: Apr 21, 2007 05:38 PM
Last Updated: Jul 21, 2009 10:32 AM
Last Reviewed: Jul 21, 2009 10:32 AM