The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals Program is now accepting applications for the 2026 cycle. This is the flagship leadership development initiative for people who are genuinely passionate about global development, not just interested, but actually want to do the work. The application portal opens on 1 September 2026 and closes on 30 September 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC. Late applications will not be considered.
The program offers a unique opportunity: build technical expertise, gain international experience, and contribute to projects that address the world’s most pressing development challenges. You start at headquarters in Washington, DC, then rotate through field offices. The initial two-year program is followed by a five-year contract based on performance. You get rotations across the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA, and tailored training in coaching, mentorship, and leadership. The selection is global and competitive.
What are they looking for? A minimum graduate-level degree in a relevant field, completed before the September start date. Two to six years of professional experience. If you are pursuing a doctorate, full-time doctoral research may count towards the experience requirement, but your degree must be substantially complete with all written work submitted before the September start date. And you must have an excellent command of spoken and written English. Additional languages are a bonus but not required.
Program Details
- Host institution: The World Bank Group (WBG), including the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA.
- Areas of Work: Operations and Specialized Functions (see streams below).
- Number of positions: Not specified.
- Contract Type: GF-level term appointment. Two-year YPP program, followed by an additional five-year contract upon performance, with the possibility of renewal.
- Target group: Open to all nationalities; no age requirement.
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World Bank Group Young Professionals Program Benefits
Selected candidates receive a competitive salary and benefits package as part of a term contract. Benefits include health, life and accident insurance, a pension plan, and possible relocation and mobility benefits depending on WBG guidelines. Beyond that, you get:
- Professional experience across WBG institutions
- Leadership development through tailored training
- Training on WBG Policies, Products, and Operations
- Global Rotations : three mandatory rotations of 8 months each, including one cross-institutional rotation and at least one based in a country office
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Networking Events
World Bank Group Young Professionals Program Eligibility
To apply for the WBG Young Professionals Program, candidates must:
- Have a minimum graduate-level degree or higher qualification in a relevant field, completed before the September start date.
- Have 2 to 6 years of professional experience in a related work area. If you are pursuing a doctorate, full-time doctoral research in a relevant field at an accredited institution may count towards the required work experience, and the degree must be substantially complete with all written work submitted before the September start date.
- Have an excellent command of spoken and written English. Fluency in additional languages is an advantage.
- Not be a current World Bank Group employee at the time of application (including term, open, short-term, and extended-term appointments).
- Not have a close relative working at the World Bank Group or a spouse in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship.
There is no age requirement. Eligibility is based on the approved professional-experience requirement, not age.
Additional Qualifications
To be competitive, applicants should additionally:
- Display a commitment and passion for international development
- Possess outstanding academic credentials
- Exhibit excellent client engagement, communication, and team leadership skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant sector trends
The following attributes are a plus:
- Work experience in emerging markets or developing countries
- Full proficiency in one of the official WBG languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Other Opportunities
World Bank Group Young Professionals Program Streams
Candidates may apply under one of two tracks: Operations or Specialized Functions. You may also identify up to two additional streams for consideration within the same application. The streams open for application include:
Operations Streams
- Agriculture
- Climate
- Digital Transformation
- Economic Policies
- Education
- Energy and Extractives
- Environment
- Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation
- Health
- Institutions
- Poverty and Equity
- Social
- Social Protection
- Sustainable Infrastructure Finance
- Transport
- Urban Development
- Water
Specialized Function Streams
- Legal
- Investment (IFC)
When you select a stream in the application form, you will see the specific qualifications associated with it. Review these carefully alongside the stream descriptions on each institution’s webpage.
How to Apply for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program
Interested applicants who would like to apply for this corporate program must click on the apply button below to create an account and submit their applications. There is no application fee.
Required Documents
- CV/Resume : ideally 1 page, maximum 2 pages.
- Passport Photo Page : confirming birth date and primary nationality.
- Academic Proof : transcript(s) or enrollment letter(s) verifying postgraduate degrees and expected completion dates.
The Selection Process
- Application : September 1-30. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM UTC.
- Longlist : October 1-15. full applicant list is reviewed; the top 10% are selected for the next stage.
- Assessment : October 15-31. Virtual Interviews, Leadership Assessment, and Technical Assessments.
- Interviews : December or January. Panel interviews and case studies in Washington, DC, & Nairobi in December, or Paris & Bangkok in January.
- Selection : Late January – Early February. Background check; offers sent in late January.
- Entrance : September 2027. The new cohort starts in Washington, DC.
Note : If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to provide contact information for two references. References should come from your professional network; doctoral candidates may also use appropriate academic references. Candidates advancing to the final stages are invited to a panel interview and assessment center, conducted in person in Washington, DC, a country office, or online. Attendance on the required dates is mandatory. The panel interview lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes. The assessment center includes a collaborative case exercise and a short written reflection.
The application deadline is . Late applications will not be accepted. For more details on the WBG Young Professionals Program, visit the official World Bank Group careers page. All qualified individuals from diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds are welcome to apply. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, women, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.