The 2025 World Bank Group Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a prestigious opportunity for young, talented professionals from around the world. The World Bank is seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds, strong technical skills, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to the mission and values of the World Bank Group (WBG).
This program is a unique chance to start a career at the World Bank, working in technical and managerial roles that focus on global development projects. Participants in the YPP are hired on a five-year contract, with the potential for renewal based on their performance.
What Does the Program Offer?
During the first two years, Young Professionals (YPs) will gain deep knowledge and experience through rotational assignments. These rotations take them across different departments and geographic locations within the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). YPs work on real-world projects in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and private sector development.
Participants in the program benefit from formal learning, mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on experience through on-the-job training. They also have access to networking opportunities, which help them grow their careers and connect with leaders and professionals from different sectors. By the end of the program, most YPs transition into full-time roles within the World Bank Group, where they continue to develop their skills and contribute to global development.
What is the YP Academy?
In addition to the rotational assignments, YPs participate in a structured learning program known as the YP Academy. This program includes technical training, language classes, leadership development, and business skills. Each YP also receives one-on-one coaching and mentoring, as well as opportunities to engage with senior leaders in strategy-focused dialogues.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Date of Birth: Applicants must be born on or after October 1, 1992.
- Nationality: Applicants must be a citizen of a World Bank Group member country, which can be proven with a passport or equivalent document.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least four years of full-time work experience after completing their undergraduate degree. Doctoral studies and internships may count towards work experience if they are relevant.
- Education: Applicants must have completed a master’s degree or a higher qualification (such as a PhD) in a relevant field by September 1, 2025. Fields of study include economics, finance, international relations, public policy, engineering, and related disciplines.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must have an excellent command of spoken and written English. Fluency in other languages is considered a plus.
- Employment Status: Applicants cannot be current World Bank Group staff members or be restricted by the WBG’s employment eligibility policies at the time of their application.
What Positions are Available?
Young Professionals can join the World Bank Group in different roles, such as:
- Associate Investment Officers (IFC): Focused on private sector investment and finance.
- Underwriters, Economists, and Technical Specialists (MIGA): Focused on project underwriting, economics, and technical expertise.
- Technical Specialists and Economists (IBRD): Focused on research, analysis, and project development in the public sector.
How to Apply:
- Applicants must select the work program that best matches their skills and expertise. This decision will influence their selection into one of the roles mentioned above.
- YPs must demonstrate technical expertise, the ability to work across sectors and with different teams, and strong leadership potential. Applicants should be ready to explain how their skills match the role they are applying for.
- The deadline to apply for the 2025 Young Professionals Programme is September 30, 2024.
For more information and to apply, visit the official website.
This program offers an incredible opportunity for young professionals to join one of the world’s leading organizations focused on reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Participants will not only gain valuable experience but also play a critical role in solving some of the world’s most pressing global challenges.
