Applications are now open for the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP)!

Fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. for 8 months (September to May each year) and work under the supervision of researchers in the World Bank’s Development Impact Evaluation (DIME) and Development Research Group departments.

They will have a unique opportunity to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research and widen their perspective on potential development questions, and how their research can address challenges in the developing world.

Compensation & Benefits

The RSMFP offers competitive compensation, totaling $42,750 net of income taxes per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments).

Also, the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their ap­plication for a G4 visa.

However, the fellowship does not cover travel expenses.

Eligibility

1. Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries
2. Also, fluent in English
3. Graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics or a related field
4. No more than 35 years of age (by June 30, 2022)
5. Moreover, available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship

Key Program Features

Professional experience:

1. Fellows will work on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers.
2. They will also be offered training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and engage with the World Bank operations.
3. Depending on the nature of projects, fellows may contribute to DEC’s published work, co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, or directly engage with World Bank clients.

Capacity building:

1. Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices.
2. Fellows will participate in hands-on training and seminars by top economists, to further build skills.
3. Through their work with DEC economists, fellows will enhance their ability to identify, study, and write about important development policy questions.

Research dissemination:

Fellows will write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC. This is an opportunity to showcase their research and contribution to development policy discussions. Each year, the top 4 blogs will be published on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.

Selection process

Applications for the fellowship are open annually between March and April for cohorts starting in September of the same year. Applicants must submit

• An updated CV
• A statement of purpose describing their research interests, professional objectives, as well as discussing their qualifications as development researchers
• Also, contact details for a reference who can provide a letter of recommendation
• A writing sample (optional)
• Moreover, a code sample (optional)

You will get an evaluation for the fellowships based on application materials, knowledge of relevant economic methods, as well as demonstrated skills in required statistical software. Cohort formation will seek to achieve geographical and gender representation.