Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP). The program is providing fellowships to developing country nationals to conduct PhD research on a wide variety of topics in development-related fields in a World Bank member country other than the fellow’s home country or country of residence. In fact, it matches aspiring development economics researchers from developing countries with World Bank research economists creating unique opportunities for the fellows to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).
Selected candidates will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. for 8 months (September to May each year) and work under the supervision of World Bank DEC researchers and Development Research Group departments, engaging in high-quality and policy-relevant research projects. After completing the program, fellows will return to their home country or university to continue their studies and/or use their new skills to contribute to economic development issues.
The Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) increases understanding of development policies and programs by providing intellectual leadership and analytical services to the World Bank and the development community. DEC is the premier research and data arm of the World Bank. With its cross-cutting expertise on a broad range of topics and countries, it is one of the most influential institutions of development research in the world.
Program Details
- Host Institution: World Bank in Washington, D.C. in United States of America.
- Number of awards: Not Specified.
- Duration: 8 months.
- Target group: Open to nationals of World Bank WBG member countries.
World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program Benefits
The RSMFP offers a competitive compensation, totaling $46,500 net of income taxes per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments), for the 2023-24 cohort. Since the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their application for a G4 visa. The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.
World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program Eligibility
In order to apply for this United States of America fellowship, applicants must be:
- nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
- graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
- not have more than 35 years of age (by June 30, 2024);
- fluent in English;
- available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.
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Application instructions
Interested applicants who would like to apply for this North America opportunity should click on the “Apply” button below and follow the instructions to submit their applications. To be considered, applicants must submit:
Required Documents
- An updated CV
- A statement of purpose describing their research interests, professional objectives, and discussing their qualifications as development researchers
- Contact details for a reference who can provide a letter of recommendation (letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates)
- A writing sample (optional)
- A code sample (optional)
Applicants will have the option to select in the application whether they would like to be hosted by the Development research department or the Impact evaluation department in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).
Fellowships will be awarded based on application materials, knowledge of relevant economic methods, and demonstrated skills in required statistical software. Cohort formation will seek to achieve geographical and gender representation. For general inquiries, please send an email to [email protected].
The deadline to submit application is . For more details on the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.