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Young Professionals Program (World Bank YPP – Fully funded and open to all nationalities)

Young Professionals Program (World Bank YPP – Fully funded and open to all nationalities)

The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals Program (YPP) has been a prestigious entry point for young talent across the globe for over 60 years. Known for its competitive selection process and rewarding career opportunities, the YPP seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds, exceptional technical skills, and strong leadership potential to help tackle global development challenges. Joining the YPP offers the chance to contribute to the World Bank Group’s mission to improve the lives of millions worldwide.

Program Overview

  • Application Period: September 1-30, 2024
  • Information Sessions:
    • September 4, 2024
    • September 5, 2024
    • September 6, 2024

Young Professionals (YPs) are appointed on a five-year term contract, which is renewable based on performance. YPs begin their journey with two years of rotational assignments across different sectors and departments within the World Bank Group, gaining a holistic understanding of development challenges and operations. YPs work as Technical Specialists, Economists, and Associate Investment Officers, taking on meaningful responsibilities from the start.

YP Academy and Professional Development

Throughout the program, YPs participate in the YP Academy, a structured learning and development journey that includes:

  • Technical and Operations Training
  • Language Programs
  • Business Skills and Negotiation Workshops
  • Leadership Development
  • One-on-One Coaching and Mentorship
  • Senior Leadership Dialogues

Benefits and Support

The World Bank Group prioritizes the health and well-being of its staff, offering a range of benefits:

  • Annual and Sick Leave: Generous policies include 26 days of annual leave and 15 days of sick leave per year.
  • Parental Leave: Primary caregivers receive 100 days, and secondary caregivers receive 50 days of leave.
  • International and Third-Country National Benefits: Support for internationally recruited staff, including relocation, resettlement, and mobility benefits.
  • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, life, disability, and retirement plans.
  • Pension Plan: A robust plan to support staff post-career, with contributions from both the World Bank and employees.

Well-being and Work-Life Balance

The World Bank Group offers various services to promote work-life balance:

  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Options like telecommuting, flextime, reduced schedules, and home-based work.
  • Health Services: On-site consultation, clinical services, and a Health Promotion Program.
  • Childcare: A Children’s Center at headquarters in Washington, D.C., providing high-quality services.
  • Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art facility at headquarters, complete with exercise equipment, locker rooms, saunas, and exercise studios.
  • Lactation Rooms: Available in multiple World Bank offices for nursing mothers.

Work Programs

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the YPP, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Born on or after October 1, 1992.
  • Hold nationality from a World Bank Group member country.
  • Possess over four years of full-time work experience after completing undergraduate studies.
  • Completed a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field before September 1, 2025.
  • Demonstrate excellent command of English (fluency in other languages is a plus).
  • 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.

Contract and Start Date

YPs must be prepared to begin full-time employment with the World Bank Group on September 8, 2025. The contract includes a five-year term with the possibility of renewal based on performance. Depending on the assignment, YPs may be based in Washington, D.C., or any of the World Bank Group’s offices worldwide, and must be willing to relocate.

Application Process

The application window opens on September 1, 2024, and closes on September 30, 2024, at 11:59 UTC. Late applications will not be considered. Candidates should prepare the following materials:

  • A concise CV (ideally 1-2 pages)
  • Passport photo page to verify nationality and birthdate
  • Transcripts or enrollment letters confirming post-graduate degrees
  • Two professional references familiar with the candidate’s qualifications and experience
  • Be sure your work program selection is clearly supported in your application by your demonstrated skills, education, and experience.

Successful applicants will be invited to interviews and assessments in December 2024 through January 2025, with final decisions communicated in February 2025.

For more detailed information about the YPP, eligibility, and the application process, visit the World Bank Group’s official website.