Application Deadline: June 30, 2020
The WBG YPP is a unique opportunity for young professionals who have both a passion for international development/finance and the potential to grow into impactful leadership roles across the World Bank Group.
The program is designed for highly qualified and motivated individuals who hold a graduate degree and are skilled in areas relevant to public and private sector development operations. These areas include economics, finance and political risk insurance in emerging markets, education, health, social sciences, infrastructure development, engineering, urban planning, agriculture, natural resource management and others.
Program Features
• Professional Experience: 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. As part of the two-year curriculum, YPs undertake rotational assignments within their host organization, another WBG institution and/or a field office, where they gain valuable hands-on experience in different areas of WBG’s business.
• Field Work: Young Professionals are likely to join colleagues on business trips to the field, also called ‘missions.’ These missions allow YPs to work on the frontlines of global development, learning key aspects of our work while directly engaging with clients in developing countries. In addition, as part of the WBG YPP curriculum, YPs are encouraged to take rotations in the field.
• Training: The WBG YPP curriculum has been designed to ensure that YPs develop a WBG mindset, the foundational knowledge to understand and contribute to their business and the competencies required for leadership development: collaboration, team-building, integrative thinking, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Coaching and Mentoring
o Peer Buddy: Before joining the World Bank Group, Young Professionals are assigned a buddy from a previous cohort, based on common professional interests and/or cultural background. Peer buddies help new YPs settle into the organization and the Washington, DC area, and provide guidance on expectations and challenges of the YP program.
o Technical Buddy: YPs are also assigned to an experienced colleague in their unit, who acts as a “go-to person” for technical questions in their respective fields.
o WBG Mentor: Once settled into their jobs, YPs can be paired with a more senior colleague or expert, who can mentor them on topics such as career options, rotation opportunities, and the overall organizational culture.
o The WBG YPP Office: WBG YPP staff are dedicated to recruiting and integrating Young Professionals into the World Bank Group. The team coordinates learning activities, meetings and events designed to support YPs, such as mentorship assignments, networking events and career strategy meetings, among others. The program office is a one-stop shop for Young Professionals looking for support and guidance.
• Compensation and Benefits: YPs are offered 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.
Eligibility
• Applicants must be born on or after October 1, 1988;
• Have a Master’s or doctoral degree;
• Specialization in a field relevant to YPP Business Areas;
• Relevant professional experience or continued study at the doctoral level;
• Fluency in English;
• The Banks 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.
• They welcome all qualified individuals from diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds to apply. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Qualifications
To be competitive, applicants should additionally:
• Display a commitment and passion for international development
• Possess outstanding academic credentials
• Exhibit excellent client engagement and team leadership skills
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.
Application
To be considered for the WBG YPP, applicants must submit:
• Resume/CV
• Academic Transcripts. Transcripts should display an expected graduation date, if currently enrolled.
• 2 Short Essays
• Short Summary of Thesis or Dissertation (World Bank candidates only)
• 3 Professional or Academic Recommendations. Recommendations will be requested via email during the eligibility screening stage.
For more information, visit World Bank Group.
