It is a unique opportunity for young people who have both a passion for international development and the potential to become future global leaders. The Program is designed for highly qualified and motivated individuals skilled in areas relevant to the World Bank’s operations such as, economics, finance, education, public health, social sciences, engineering, urban planning, and natural resource management. In order 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 1,500 people who now hold 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.

Minimum Requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be eligible for the Young Professionals Program.

• Be 32 years of age or younger (i.e. born on or after September 30, 1980)
• Have a Master’s degree or equivalent [?]
• Be fluent in English
• Please note that full proficiency in one or more of the Bank’s working languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish is strongly desired
• Specialize in a field relevant to the World Bank’s operations such as economics, finance, education, public health, social sciences, engineering, urban planning, and natural resource management
• Have at least 3 years of relevant experience at the policy level or continued academic study at the doctoral level.

Additional Qualifications

In order 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

Please note that the Young Professionals Program does not recruit individuals with degrees in disciplines such as: Computer Science, HR, Accounting, Marketing, Law and Linguistics unless they are combined with other relevant degrees that are listed above.

Every year, around 30 future leaders are accepted into the Young Professionals Program. YPs spend 24 months in a structured training program, and enjoy a wealth of benefits and opportunities

Competition is keen. We receive about 10,000 applications each year for a limited number of positions. Most candidates exceed the minimum criteria. Please note that this is a 9-month process and it is expected that the selected candidates will join in September of the following year (i.e. Candidates applying on May 1 through June 30, 2012, if selected, will be expected to join in September 2013).
Candidates who are offered a position in the YPP have two (2) weeks to respond. Offers are only binding for the current recruitment year and do not extend to the following year.