Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank Group (WBG) Young Professionals Program. The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program engages top global talent with distinctive technical skills and diverse backgrounds to work across the World Bank, MIGA and IFC towards a world free of poverty on a livable planet.
YPs join the World Bank Group’s Operations and Specialized function tracks on a two-year term that may be followed by a five-year renewable contract based on performance.
Additionally, YPs take part in a structured learning and talent development journey through our YP Academy. Key elements include technical and operations training, language programs, negotiation and business skills, and leadership development. YPs also receive one-on-one coaching, connect with mentors, and engage in strategy-focused dialogues with senior leaders.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum master’s degree with 2 – 6 years professional working experience.
- Nationality of a World Bank Group member country as demonstrated by your officially issued passport or equivalent document.
- Completion of a masters-level degree or equivalent in a relevant field, or a higher qualification in a relevant field, before September 1, 2026. 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 1, 2026.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English language (fluency in other languages might be advantageous to your application).
- You are not a World Bank Group staff member nor are you precluded to apply or join the program by the employment eligibility policy from the time of application to the Young Professionals Program.
- You do not hold an ET or ST contract in the Bank.
- You may apply this year if you are a JPA or a former Bank intern (interns should have their appointment end date on or before September 30, 2025).
Contract Start Date and Terms
- The Young Professionals Program does not offer deferred entry and you must be prepared to start full-time employment with the World Bank Group on September 1, 2026.
- If you are invited to join the Young Professionals Program, your offer will include a 2-year term contract as a mid-career staff member (GF level), that may be followed by a 5-year renewable contract based on performance.
- You also might be eligible for a G-type visa for you and your dependents.
- You may be located in Washington, DC or any of the World Bank Group country offices worldwide, and must be prepared to relocate accordingly.
Application Process
- The application portal opens on September 1, 2025 and closes on September 30, 2025 at 11:59 UTC (late applications will not be considered).
- Please have the following ready to upload at the time of your application:
- Your CV/resume (ideally 1 page and no longer than 2 pages)
- Passport photo page to help confirm your birth date and primary nationality
- Transcript(s) or enrollment letter(s) to confirm your post-graduate educational degrees and (expected) completion dates
- Be sure your work program selection is clearly supported in your application by your demonstrated skills, education, and experience.
- Successful candidates are expected to be invited to interviews and assessments in December 2025 through January 2026.
- The World Bank plan to inform the selected candidates in late-January 2026.
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