World Bank Group - Young Professionals Program internship

The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a starting point for an exciting career in the World Bank.

It is a unique opportunity for younger talent who have both a passion for international development--be it for working in Operations or in some Corporate areas--and the leadership potential to grow in fascinating top technical and managerial roles in the World Bank Group. 

The Program is designed for highly qualified and motivated individuals skilled in areas relevant to the WBG technical/operations such as economics, finance, education, public health, social sciences, engineering, urban planning, agriculture, natural resources and others; as well as to WBG corporate areas such as communications, information technology, human resources and corporate finance. To be competitive for this highly selective program, candidates need to demonstrate a commitment to development, proven academic success, professional achievement, and leadership capability.


We value diversity in our workplace, and encourage qualified men and women with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds to apply. Since its inception, the YP program has hired over 1,700 people who hold or have held positions ranging from entry-level to vice presidents and managing directors. It is a unique opportunity to experience development and gain exposure to the World Bank’s operations and policies.

Do you qualify for the program?

Applicant must be:

• A citizen of a member country of the World Bank
• 32 years of age or younger (born on or after October 1, 1983)
• PhD or Master’s degree and 3+ years of relevant work experience
• Specialization in a field relevant to WBG operations
• Fluency in English and proficiency in another WBG working language is desirable
• Specialization in a field relevant to the WBG Technical/Operations such as economics, finance, education, public health, social sciences, engineering, urban planning, agriculture, natural resources, and others. Note: No positions will be offered in WBG Corporate areas in the 2016 YPP Selection Process.
•  Must have all the professional and academic information at hand including key dates, an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), Education Certificates/Transcripts, PhD Dissertation/Master’s Thesis topics (short summary), if applicable, and the Application Essay ready to be uploaded. 

Additional Qualifications

To be competitive for the limited number of positions, a combination of the following credentials is highly desirable:

• Display a commitment and passion for international development
• Possess outstanding academic credentials
• Exhibit excellent client engagement and team leadership skills
• Have international development country experience
• Be motivated to relocate and undertake country assignments (operational stream) 

To apply

 “Reaching the goals of ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity—and ensuring that future generations will share in broader prosperity—is a realistic objective. Citizens around the world are already driving change in their communities and developing innovative ideas to address some of the toughest challenges their countries face. The institutions of the World Bank Group are committed to using their financial instruments, data, knowledge, and solutions to highlight innovations and catalyze this action to end poverty. It will take a global movement to end poverty, and in supporting and working alongside stakeholders around the world, the Bank can fully realize the twin goals.” (Extract from the 2014 WBG Annual Report)

Describe in fewer than 1,000 words your own contribution to these goals, if you were to work for the World Bank Group.

Register on the World Bank site HERE