World Bank Careers & Young Professionals Program – Fully Funded

The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a competitive two-year initiative that launches careers in global development, placing successful candidates into IBRD, IFC, or MIGA on a mid-career (GF-level) contract, with potential renewal for five years based on performance. YPP Alumni benefit from structured mentorship, leadership development, and access to the YP Academy for professional growth.
(worldbank.org)

Step 1: Choose Your Work Program

Applicants must select a work program that aligns with their technical skills, sector knowledge, and professional experience. Available tracks include:

• Operations: Education, Finance, Climate, Digital Transformation, Infrastructure, Agriculture, and more
• Specialized Functions: Legal, IT & Analytics, Budget & Strategic Planning, Advisory Services, Investment, and others
  (worldbank.org)

Be prepared to justify your choice through your application materials—demonstrating both technical depth and cross-sector breadth, along with leadership potential.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Hold citizenship of a World Bank Group member country (confirmed via passport)
• Have a master’s degree (or higher) completed before September 1, 2026; doctoral candidates must have submitted all written work by this date
• Possess 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience post-undergrad; full-time PhD study can also count
• Be fluent in English (multilingualism is a bonus)
• Not be a current WBG staff member, ET/ST consultant, or ineligible under employment policies
• If previously a World Bank intern, your appointment must end by September 30, 2025

Step 3: Important Application Dates

• Application window: Opens September 1, 2025 and closes September 30, 2025, at 11:59 UTC
• Late submissions or irregular formats are not accepted

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

Submit the following at the time of your application:

• Your CV/Resume (1–2 pages) highlighting technical and global practice expertise
• Passport (biographical page) to confirm nationality and date of birth
• Transcript or enrollment letter confirming your postgraduate degree or expected completion date

You’ll also complete:

• A 250-word statement explaining your fit for your selected work program
• Two 400-word personal statements covering your motivation and how you’d address global development challenges

Step 5: Assessment Process

Qualified applicants will proceed through:

1. Application review by HR and sectoral technical specialists
2. On-demand video interview via HireVue, followed by an online leadership assessment
3. Panel interview (online or in person), followed by possible written or group case assessments, typically held in Washington, DC
4. Final decisions are communicated in late January 2026

Step 6: Program Terms & Career Path

• Start date: Full-time employment begins September 1, 2026—no deferrals allowed
• Contract: Initial two-year term contract (GF-level), renewable for up to five years based on performance
• Placement: You may be based in Washington, DC, or a country office, depending on role

Pro Tips for Competitive Applications

• Tailor your materials: Align your CV, essays, and statements to your chosen work program’s mission and priorities
• Use clear, compelling examples: Demonstrate achievements, leadership, and impact, not just responsibilities
• Stay compliant: YPP considers only your own original work—avoid AI assistance or third-party help