Young Professionals Program (World Bank YPP – Fully funded )
Young Professionals are recruited from around the world, with preference to nationals of WBG member countries and countries of operations. We welcome all qualified individuals from diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.
Three Institutions. Developing Leaders. For Joint Impact.
We invite you to browse this website and explore the many opportunities of joining the WBG YPP.
PROGRAM
The WBG YPP is a two-year leadership development program at the start of a five-year employment contract with the World Bank, IFC or MIGA. Young Professionals (YPs) start the program in Washington, DC, where they engage in intensive training—on-the-job and in the classroom—learning the fundamentals of leadership and development operations across institutions, and how to identify opportunities for joint impact.
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KEY PROGRAM FEATURES |
Key Program Features
Professional Experience YPs are full-time employees, making significant contributions to their respective unit’s work program, while building networks and knowledge across the Bank Group through the YPP. They often join field missions, where they work on the frontlines of WBG operations, learning key aspects of our work and directly engaging with our clients.
Leadership Development Through the WBG YPP curriculum, YPs develop the foundational knowledge to contribute to our business and the competencies to lead. Activities range from leadership and professional development workshops to networking, mentorship and conversations with WBG leadership.
Training on WBG Policies, Products & Operations YPs engage in intensive training on the policies, products and operations of the World Bank, IFC and MIGA. This aspect of the WBG YPP curriculum ensures that YPs know how to operationalize joint WBG solutions to development challenges, and how to retain and apply this knowledge for years to come.
Global Rotations across WBG YPs participate in at least one rotation within their home institution, with some engaging in additional rotations to another institution, with the goal of developing and applying skills across the business. Rotations are a core component of the curriculum, providing YPs the exposure to understand how our institutions work (and can work together) as well as how to align their skills to priority areas, like countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence (FCV), and other challenging environments.
Coaching & Mentoring YPs are assigned several mentors at the peer and departmental level. Mentors can provide advice on various topics ranging from settling into Washington, DC to identifying career opportunities throughout the YP experience, and beyond.
Networking Events In addition to the program orientation and graduation ceremonies, the WBG YPP office organizes regular events for YPs to stay in touch with program alumni, stakeholders and broader WBG staff.
Management Supported Rotations & Job Placements YPs are provided management-level support in their transitions to rotations and post-YPP job placements, ensuring their skills are best placed across the business.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The WBG YPP offers a competitive salary and benefits package as part of a 5-year term contract. Benefits include health, life and accident insurance, a pension plan and possible relocation and mobility benefits depending on WBG guidelines.
- Be born on or after October 1, 1991
- Have a master’s or doctoral degree*
- Specialize in a field relevant to YPP Business Areas
- Demonstrate relevant professional experience or continued study at the doctoral level**
- Be fluent in English
- The Bank’s Group recruitment policy is to hire staff of the highest caliber, on as wide a geographical basis as possible, with preference to nationals of WBG member countries or countries of operations.
For IFC placement: Complete a relevant graduate degree by September 2024. Fields of study should be related to an IFC Business Area, including but not limited to a Master’s of Business Administration (or equivalent), Economics, Finance, International Relations, Science and Engineering.
**Professional experience requirements:
For World Bank & MIGA placement: Demonstrate 3+ years of relevant experience, or the equivalent in continued study at the doctoral level.
For IFC placement: Demonstrate4+ years of relevant experience in finance, project/program development, economic development and/or consulting. Certifications such as the CFA are a plus.
To be competitive, applicants should additionally:
- Display a commitment and passion for international development
- Possess outstanding academic credentials
- Exhibit excellent client engagement, communication and team leadership skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant sector trends
The following attributes are a plus:
- Work experience in emerging markets or developing countries
- Full proficiency in one of the following official WBG languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
- Agriculture & Food
- Digital Development
- Education
- Energy & Extractives
- Environment, Natural Resources & Blue Economy
- Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation
- Governance
- Health, Nutrition & Population
- Jobs and Development
- Macroeconomics, Trade & Investment
- Poverty
- Public Private Partnerships
- Social Protection
- Social Sustainability & Inclusion
- Transport
- Urban Development, Disaster Risk, Resilience & Land
- Water
GLOBAL THEMES
- Resume/CV
- Academic Credentials*
- 1 Short Essay
- Short Summary of Thesis or Dissertation (World Bank candidates, only if applicable)
- 3 Professional or Academic Recommendations**
*Diploma, Degree Completion Letter, Proof of Enrollment with Expected Graduation Date or Transcript.
**Recommendations will be requested via email during the eligibility screening stage.
- Why would you like to join the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program and what makes you a great candidate for the program? In your response, please also indicate your preference for participating in the program at the World Bank, IFC or MIGA, and why.
- Overlapping crises, such as disease outbreaks, climate change impacts, conflicts, and financial crises, coupled with fiscal and resource constraints, pose a complex challenge to many countries. How would you advise the World Bank Group to support countries in addressing that challenge by, amongst other, increasing governments’ capacity to respond and address the needs of their most vulnerable populations, working with the private sector to mobilize and enable financing for development, and engaging with the international community? If possible, please illustrate your response with examples based upon your technical expertise and experience.
THE INTERVIEW
YPP interviews will be conducted in a hybrid format (virtual and in-person) and may include:
- Pre-recorded interview (on Hirevue)
- Live panel interview
- An assessment center, where you will be asked to participate in individual and group exercises
- Timed computer-based financial tests (IFC candidates)
Applicants who are invited to interview will be provided with more detail as the process moves along.
Candidates are assessed based on experience, technical expertise, and competencies such as client orientation, leadership and communication.
For more info please visit: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/young-professionals-program
