World Bank Group IFC Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) 2024 for Young Professionals

World Bank and IFC will merge their respective Young Professionals Programs into one World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP).

Application Deadline: 30th September 2023

About the Award: The WBG YPP is a starting point for an exciting career at the World Bank Group. Young Professionals are recruited from around the world with various academic and professional backgrounds relevant to the World Bank, IFC and MIGA.

The new program is now accepting applications on behalf of three institutions (the World Bank, IFC and MIGA). Building on the rich legacy of its predecessor programs, the WBG YPP will recruit and develop future leaders to collaborate effectively across our institutions on joint WBG solutions to development challenges.

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.

Type: Job

Eligibility: We 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.

• Born on or after October 1, 1991
• 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.

*Graduate degree requirements vary by institution:

For World Bank & MIGA placement: Complete a relevant master’s degree by September 2023 or PhD before September 2024. Fields of study should be related to a World Bank or MIGA Business Area.

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 vary by institution:

For WB placement: Demonstrate 3+ years of relevant experience, or the equivalent in continued study at the doctoral level.

For IFC & MIGA placement: Demonstrate4+ years of relevant experience in finance, political risk insurance and credit enhancement, project/program development, economic development and/or consulting. Certifications such as the CFA are a plus.

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.

Selection Criteria: We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a passion for international development, graduate education, relevant professional experience, and the potential to grow into impactful leadership roles across our institutions.

Eligible Countries: All

To be Taken at: World Bank, IFC or MIGA

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value & Duration of Award: 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.

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 our business. WBG YPs make significant contributions to their host unit’s work program, while building networks and knowledge of our policies and operations –on the job and in the classroom.

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 our business and the competencies required for leadership development: collaboration, team-building, integrative thinking, innovation, and continuous learning.

The curriculum includes a blend of learning activities, in cohort, small group and individual settings, both online and in-person. Activities range from leadership training and career development workshops to networking, mentorship and conversations with WBG leadership.

How to Apply: Applications are open July 3 – July 31 for all profiles and from August 15 – September 30 for IFC profiles only.

Application Checklist

To be considered for the WBG YPP, applicants must submit:

• Resume/CV
• Academic Transcripts*
• 2 Short Essays
• Short Summary of Thesis or Dissertation (World Bank candidates only)
• 3 Professional or Academic Recommendations**

*Transcripts should display an expected graduation date, if currently enrolled.

**Recommendations will be requested via email during the eligibility screening stage.

Short Essays

In 6,000 characters or less, please describe:

1. Why you are interested in the WBG YPP and in your preferred institution (IBRD, IFC or MIGA);
2. Why you are the right person for the role; and
3. How your preferred institution, and the WBG as a whole, should support our clients to contain the impact of COVID-19, working towards a green, resilient, and inclusive recovery

• GOODLUCK

Visit Award Webpage for Details