The World Bank Group MNA Fellows Program offers an opportunity for qualified professionals from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to strengthen their expertise, develop leadership capabilities, and contribute to international development through assignments across different technical and operational sectors. The program focuses on developing talented professionals from the Middle East and North Africa (MNA) region and increasing their representation within the World Bank Group.
For the FY2027 cohort, the program lists opportunities across a broad range of professional fields, including public financial management, governance, climate and environmental sustainability, finance, economics, legal affairs, risk management, infrastructure, agriculture, private sector development, and manufacturing. Depending on the selected position, candidates may be considered for duty locations in Washington, DC, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Vienna, or Paris.
The MNA Fellows Program is particularly relevant to professionals who hold a master’s degree, have relevant professional experience, possess strong English-language skills, and are committed to international development. Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti nationals can explore the positions specifically advertised under their respective country programs and identify opportunities that match their educational backgrounds, technical expertise, and career objectives.
1. Overview of the World Bank Group MNA Fellows Program
The MNA Fellows Program is a professional development and recruitment initiative sponsored by the World Bank Group’s Middle East and North Africa Vice Presidency in collaboration with its Human Resources Vice Presidency.
The initiative aims to identify, develop, and prepare talented professionals from participating MNA countries for potential placement opportunities at the World Bank Group’s headquarters in Washington, DC, or its country offices. It also seeks to strengthen the representation of nationals from participating countries within the institution and build a stronger pipeline of professionals for future opportunities, including the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program.
The program concentrates on developing technical expertise in areas that are important to economic growth, institutional development, financial management, environmental sustainability, private sector investment, and other development priorities across the MNA region.
Rather than focusing exclusively on academic learning, the program is designed to support professional growth in an international development environment. Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work with experienced specialists and contribute to technical, analytical, advisory, or operational assignments relevant to their designated hiring units.
Because the available positions cover different professional disciplines, applicants should carefully review each vacancy’s terms of reference before submitting an application.
2. Objectives of the MNA Fellows Program
The program has several principal objectives.
Strengthening professional capacity
The initiative seeks to build the technical capabilities of talented professionals from participating countries. Fellows can develop knowledge and experience in fields that are important to economic development, public institutions, financial systems, infrastructure, environmental protection, and private sector growth.
Increasing representation within the World Bank Group
One of the program’s objectives is to increase the representation of nationals from participating MNA countries within the World Bank Group. The initiative aims to create more opportunities for qualified Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti professionals to contribute to the institution’s work.
Preparing professionals for future career opportunities
The program also aims to increase the number of nationals from participating countries who may eventually be selected for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program. Participation does not automatically guarantee admission to that program or another future position, but the initiative is intended to strengthen the professional talent pipeline.
Supporting international development
The program is intended for professionals who are committed to international development and interested in contributing to work that addresses economic, institutional, environmental, and social development challenges.
Depending on their assigned unit, fellows may contribute to research, economic analysis, financial assessments, policy development, operational support, or other activities connected to the World Bank Group’s development mission.
3. Program Features and Professional Development
The MNA Fellows Program includes several professional development components intended to support participants throughout their experience.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a key program feature. It is intended to help fellows develop professionally, learn from experienced colleagues, and strengthen their understanding of the institution’s working environment.
Leadership development
The program includes leadership development opportunities designed to help participants improve their professional judgment, communication, collaboration, and capacity to contribute to development-related work.
Quarterly workshops
The program curriculum includes one workshop per quarter. These workshops provide a structured opportunity for learning and professional development throughout the program.
Ongoing check-ins
Regular check-ins are included to support participants, monitor their progress, and provide opportunities to discuss their development and experience.
Participant evaluation
The program also includes evaluation by participants. This component can help inform the assessment of the program’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
The precise responsibilities, employment arrangements, and technical expectations associated with participation depend on the individual position and its applicable terms of reference. Applicants should not assume that all vacancies offer identical responsibilities or conditions.
4. Fields of Work Available in the FY2027 Cohort
The FY2027 recruitment cycle includes positions in a wide range of professional sectors. This diversity allows eligible candidates to explore opportunities that correspond to their qualifications and career interests.
Public financial management
Public financial management opportunities may be relevant to professionals with backgrounds in government finance, public expenditure, fiscal policy, budgeting, financial accountability, or related disciplines.
Governance
Governance-related positions may interest candidates experienced in institutional development, public administration, governance reform, policy analysis, and strengthening public-sector systems.
Climate, environment, and sustainability
These positions are relevant to professionals working in climate policy, environmental sustainability, sustainable development, environmental economics, and related technical fields.
Energy and development economics
Opportunities in this area may suit candidates with experience or academic training in energy systems, economics, economic development, policy research, or related subjects.
Economic growth, private sector development, research, and data
These positions may be suitable for professionals with backgrounds in economic analysis, private sector development, quantitative research, data analysis, business development, and evidence-based policy work.
Finance and financial sector services
Finance-related vacancies may be relevant to candidates with experience in financial analysis, financial institutions, investment, financial-sector development, or related areas.
Legal affairs, dispute resolution, and regulatory reform
These opportunities may appeal to candidates with legal qualifications or experience in dispute resolution, legal analysis, regulatory reform, compliance, and institutional governance.
Risk management and compliance
Positions in risk management, compliance, legal affairs, and governance may suit professionals with experience in identifying, evaluating, monitoring, and managing institutional or operational risks.
Infrastructure and natural resources
These opportunities may be relevant to candidates working in infrastructure development, natural resource management, investment, economic development, or related sectors.
Manufacturing, agribusiness, and services
Positions in manufacturing, agribusiness, and services may suit professionals with relevant backgrounds in industrial development, agriculture-related investment, business operations, market development, or private sector growth.
Agriculture and food
Agriculture and food-related opportunities may be relevant to candidates interested in agricultural development, food systems, rural development, investment, and related policy or operational work.
Nature finance and environmental and social risks
These positions may interest professionals working in environmental finance, sustainability, environmental and social risk assessment, or related areas of development finance.
Debt mobilization
Debt mobilization opportunities may be relevant to candidates with experience in financing, capital mobilization, financial analysis, or development-related investment.
Applicants should use these sector descriptions as a starting point rather than as substitutes for the formal eligibility and experience requirements of each vacancy. The individual terms of reference determine the specific qualifications and responsibilities for each position.
5. MNA Fellows Program – Saudi Arabia: Available Positions
The Saudi Arabia recruitment list contains opportunities across multiple technical and operational units. The duty locations vary by position, and some assignments have not yet been finalized.
The following table reproduces the sector names, locations, and vacancy references provided for the Saudi Arabia cohort. Each requisition number links to the corresponding application page.
| Sector | Duty location | Unit | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Financial Management | Washington, DC | WKPGF | Apply – req38844 |
| Governance | Washington, DC | WKPGI | Apply – req38846 |
| Climate, Environment & Sustainability | Washington, DC | WKTEP | Apply – req38848 |
| Energy / Development Economics | Washington, DC | DECPT | Apply – req38857 |
| Economic Growth & Private Sector Development; Research & Data | Washington, DC | DECRE | Apply – req38880 |
| Finance | Washington, DC | GCFDR | Apply – req38879 |
| Dispute Resolution | Washington, DC | CCADF | Apply – req38847 |
| Legal | Washington, DC | LEGAM | Apply – req38858 |
| Risk Management; Compliance; Legal; Governance | Washington, DC | INTEE | Apply – req38854 |
| Private Sector Development and Finance | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | EMAF2 | Apply – req38863 |
| Debt Mobilization | Washington, DC | CSLCU | Apply – req38849 |
| Infrastructure & Natural Resources (INR) | To be determined: Riyadh, Doha, or Dubai | CN5AU/CN5ME | Apply – req38850 |
| Manufacturing & Services | To be determined: Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or Johannesburg | CM3M2 | Apply – req38843 |
| Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) | To be determined: Dubai or Riyadh | CM5ME | Apply – req38851 |
| Agribusiness / Investment | Washington, DC | WKTAS | Apply – req38862 |
| Private Sector Development; Legal and Regulatory Reform; Economic Growth | To be determined: Washington, DC, Vienna, or Saudi Arabia | WKPTS | Apply – req38861 |
| Financial Sector Services | Washington, DC | WKPFR | Apply – req38860 |
| Agriculture and Food | Washington, DC | SLCAG | Apply – req38859 |
| Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS) | Washington, DC | CDIMA | Apply – req38852 |
| Risk Management | Washington, DC | CIRVA | Apply – req38853 |
The Saudi Arabia list covers a particularly broad range of technical specializations. Candidates should compare their qualifications with the detailed requirements for each vacancy instead of applying solely on the basis of the sector title.
Applicants should also distinguish between the country associated with the recruitment program and the position’s duty location. A vacancy advertised under the Saudi Arabia cohort may be based in Washington, DC, or another international office.
6. MNA Fellows Program – Kuwait: Available Positions
The Kuwait recruitment list includes five opportunities across nature finance, environmental and social risks, risk management, finance, and infrastructure.
| Sector | Duty location | Unit | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Finance | Washington, DC | WKTEP | Apply – req38800 |
| Environmental and Social Risks | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | ESPRA | Apply – req38826 |
| Risk Management; Compliance; Legal; Governance | Washington, DC | INTEE | Apply – req38807 |
| Finance | Washington, DC | GCFDR | Apply – req38818 |
| Infrastructure | Paris, France | CN6U2 | Apply – req38819 |
Kuwaiti applicants should review these vacancies to determine which position best matches their qualifications, technical experience, and career goals. The locations indicate where the work may be based, not which nationalities are eligible to apply.
7. Eligibility Criteria for the MNA Fellows Program
Applicants must meet the program’s general eligibility criteria and the additional requirements specified in the relevant vacancy announcement.
Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of the relevant donor program country. The recruitment lists presented for the FY2027 cohort are organized under the Saudi Arabia and Kuwait programs.
Accordingly, candidates should apply through the appropriate country-specific recruitment pathway. Nationality requirements are important: being a resident of Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, or being a national of another MNA country, does not automatically satisfy the requirement.
Educational qualifications
Applicants should hold a master’s degree. The program’s general eligibility information identifies a master’s degree as the expected qualification.
Candidates should also review the relevant terms of reference to confirm the accepted fields of study, specialized academic requirements, and any additional qualifications required for the particular position.
Professional experience
The general eligibility criteria indicate that approximately two years of professional experience is ideal.
The actual experience requirements may differ between vacancies. Applicants should therefore examine the relevant job description to determine the required professional background, technical competencies, and experience level.
English-language proficiency
Fluency in English is a stated eligibility requirement. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate the communication and professional writing skills necessary to work in an international development environment.
Some roles may also benefit from additional language abilities or specialized communication skills, depending on the duties involved.
Commitment to international development
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to international development. Their education, experience, professional interests, and application materials should establish a credible connection to the objectives of the World Bank Group and the relevant hiring unit.
Compliance with vacancy-specific requirements
Applicants must fully satisfy the selection criteria listed in the terms of reference for their chosen position. Meeting the general program requirements does not guarantee eligibility for every vacancy.
Women are particularly encouraged to apply, according to the program’s general eligibility information.
8. What Selected Candidates Can Gain
The program offers several potential professional development benefits for successful candidates.
Technical development: Fellows may strengthen their expertise in their chosen sector by contributing to relevant professional assignments.
International exposure: Depending on the selected position, participants may work in Washington, DC, or another designated duty location and gain experience in an international development institution.
Mentoring and leadership development: The program’s mentoring and leadership components can support professional growth, career planning, and the development of workplace skills.
Structured learning: Quarterly workshops and ongoing check-ins provide opportunities for continued learning and professional reflection.
Development-sector experience: The program can provide exposure to technical, analytical, advisory, and operational work connected to economic and institutional development.
Future career preparation: The initiative aims to strengthen the pipeline of MNA professionals for potential future opportunities within the World Bank Group, including the Young Professionals Program. However, participation does not guarantee subsequent recruitment or promotion.
The precise responsibilities, compensation, contract duration, benefits, and other employment conditions should be confirmed through the individual vacancy announcement. The program overview alone does not establish identical financial or contractual benefits for every position.
9. Application Process: How to Apply
The FY2027 cohort follows an annual recruitment cycle. Candidates should use the official vacancy pages to submit applications for the positions that match their profiles.
Step 1: Confirm your nationality eligibility
Determine whether you qualify under the Saudi Arabia or Kuwait recruitment pathway. Applicants should verify the nationality requirement before investing time in a vacancy application.
Step 2: Identify the appropriate sector
Review the available positions and select those that align with your academic qualifications, professional experience, and technical interests. Candidates with relevant expertise in finance, economics, governance, legal affairs, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, agriculture, or other advertised fields should examine the corresponding vacancies.
Step 3: Read the full vacancy announcement
Open the relevant requisition link in the tables above. Review the detailed terms of reference, required qualifications, professional experience, responsibilities, competencies, and duty location.
Do not rely exclusively on the general program description, because each hiring unit may have its own selection criteria.
Step 4: Prepare your application
Prepare the information and supporting documents requested by the individual vacancy. Ensure that your academic qualifications, professional experience, technical expertise, and commitment to international development are accurately represented.
Where a statement of interest or other supporting material is requested, tailor it to the particular position rather than submitting an identical application for unrelated sectors.
Step 5: Submit through the official recruitment system
Use the application link associated with the chosen requisition and follow the instructions provided by the World Bank Group’s recruitment platform. Confirm that all required information has been completed and that the application has been submitted successfully.
Step 6: Monitor your application
Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Final selection decisions are made by the respective hiring units.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their contact details are accurate and monitor their application status and email for recruitment communications.
10. Application Deadline for the FY2027 Cohort
The application deadline is a critical consideration for anyone interested in the MNA Fellows Program.
The supplied opportunity announcement states that applications remain open until November 8, 2026. However, the World Bank Group’s official program webpage currently lists November 3, 2026 as the closing date for the FY2027 cohort.
Because these dates conflict, applicants should not rely solely on the later date. Check the official program page and the specific requisition you intend to apply for to confirm its current closing date and time. Individual vacancy deadlines may also differ.
Applications should be submitted as early as possible to avoid missing the relevant deadline. Late applications may not be considered.
11. Official Links and Additional Information
The following official resources can help candidates verify program information and explore the recruitment opportunities.
- Official MNA Fellows Program page:World Bank Group MNA Fellows Program
- Search open positions: World Bank Group Careers – Open Positions
- Join the Talent Network: World Bank Group Talent Network
Applicants should prioritize the official program page and individual vacancy announcements when checking eligibility, deadlines, duty locations, application instructions, and employment conditions.
12. Important Considerations Before Applying
Before submitting an application, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Nationality matters. The opportunities are organized under the Saudi Arabia and Kuwait recruitment programs, and applicants must meet the relevant donor-country nationality requirement.
- A master’s degree is expected. Candidates should verify the precise academic requirements for their selected position.
- Experience is important. Approximately two years of professional experience is identified as ideal in the general eligibility criteria, but vacancy-specific requirements take precedence.
- English proficiency is required. Applicants should be prepared to communicate effectively in a professional international setting.
- The positions are sector-specific. Each vacancy has its own technical focus, terms of reference, and selection criteria.
- Duty locations vary. A position advertised under one country’s program may be based in another country or at World Bank Group headquarters.
- Selection is competitive. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and the relevant hiring units make the final selection decisions.
- Verify the deadline. The supplied announcement and the official program page currently show different closing dates, so candidates should confirm the deadline on the relevant recruitment page before applying.
Conclusion
The World Bank Group MNA Fellows Program FY2027 provides a professional development and recruitment opportunity for eligible Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti nationals who want to contribute to international development and build expertise in a specialized field. With vacancies spanning finance, economics, governance, legal affairs, climate and sustainability, infrastructure, agriculture, risk management, and private sector development, the program offers several potential pathways for suitably qualified professionals.
Candidates who hold a master’s degree, possess strong English-language skills, have relevant professional experience, and demonstrate a commitment to international development should carefully review the available positions and their specific eligibility requirements. Selecting a vacancy that closely matches one’s background and preparing a targeted, accurate application can help candidates present their qualifications effectively.
Interested applicants should consult the official World Bank Group program page, read the relevant terms of reference, and verify the deadline for their chosen vacancy. Because the general program page and the supplied announcement show different closing dates, early application and direct verification are especially important.
Explore more at Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY.
