Deadline:
September 30, 2026
Location(s)
United States of America
Washington D.C.
Overview
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. 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.
Our premier leadership program for extremely talented people passionate about global development.
Details
The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals Program is our flagship leadership development initiative, for highly talented individuals who are passionate about global development.
The Young Professionals Program offers a unique opportunity to build technical expertise, gain international experience, and contribute to projects that address the world’s most pressing
Highlights
- Global and competitive selection
- Initial start in HQ followed by field rotations in various World Bank Group offices
- Initial two-year program followed by a five-year contract upon performance
- Working experience across the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA through rotations
- Tailored training program in coaching, mentorship, and leadership
PROGRAM
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. Young Professionals (YPs) start the program in Washington, DC, where they engage in intensive training—on-the-job and in the classroom—learning the fundamentals of leadership and development operations across institutions, and how to identify opportunities for joint impact.
KEY PROGRAM FEATURES
Rotations provide participants with broad exposure to global operations and diverse development challenges, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the institution’s work.
Beyond rotations, the program emphasizes continuous learning and career acceleration. Participants benefit from tailored leadership and technical training, dedicated mentorship, and direct engagement with senior leaders, creating opportunities to build strategic networks and gain insights into high-level decision-making.
Appointment Type GF-level term appointment
Duration & Contract: The YPP is a 2-year program. Upon successful completion, participants are placed in a role for an additional 5 years based on performance, with the possibility of contract renewal.
YPP Tracks Candidates may apply under one of two tracks:
- Operations
- Specialized Functions
Rotations The program includes three mandatory rotations of 8 months each, structured as follows:
- One rotation within your primary function and area of expertise
- One cross-institutional rotation
- At least one rotation must be based in a country office
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Education
Minimum graduate-level degree or a higher qualification in a relevant field, completed before September start date.
Experience
2 to 6 years of professional experience in related work area. If you are pursuing a doctorate, full-time doctoral research studies in a relevant field at an accredited institution may count towards the required work experience, and the degree must be substantially complete with all the written work submitted before September start date.
Nationality
Applicants must hold the nationality of a World Bank Group membercountry, as demonstrated by an officially issued passport or equivalent document.
Language Proficiency
An excellent command of spoken and written English is mandatory. Fluency in additional languages is considered an advantage and may strengthen your application.
Interviews & Assessments Employment Status
You cannot be a current World Bank Group employee at the time of application (including term, open, short-term [ST], and extended-term [ET] appointments). You also must not have a close relative working at the World Bank Group or a spouse in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship.
Dates
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- The WBG YPP: offers 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.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
