The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals Program is our flagship leadership development initiative, for highly talented individuals who are passionate about global development. The Young Professionals Program offers a unique opportunity to build technical expertise, gain international experience, and contribute to projects that address the world’s most pressing development challenges.

World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) Benefits

The program emphasizes continuous learning and career acceleration. Participants benefit from tailored leadership and technical training, dedicated mentorship, and direct engagement with senior leaders, creating opportunities to build strategic networks and gain insights into high-level decision-making. 

The YPP is a 2-year program. Upon successful completion, participants are placed in a role for an additional 5 years based on performance, with the possibility of contract renewal.

Requirements for World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP)

Education

Minimum graduate-level degree or a higher qualification in a relevant field, completed before September start date.

Experience

2 to 6 years of professional experience in related work area. 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 start date.

Nationality

Applicants must hold the nationality of a World Bank Group member country, as demonstrated by an officially issued passport or equivalent document.

Language Proficiency

An excellent command of spoken and written English is mandatory. Fluency in additional languages is considered an advantage and may strengthen your application.

Employment Status

You cannot be a current World Bank Group employee at the time of application (including term, open, short-term [ST], and extended-term [ET] appointments). You also must not have a close relative working at the World Bank Group or a spouse in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship.

Application

Application period September 1-30

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm UTC

Longlist

Full applicant list is reviewed in October 1-15

Top 10% are selected for the next stage

Assessment

Virtual Interviews, Leadership Assessment, and Technical Assessments issued from October 15-31

Interviews

Panel interviews and case studies in Washington DC & Nairobi in December or Paris & Bangkok in January

Selection

Background check

Offers sent in late-January

Entrance

New cohort starts in Washington, DC in September 2027

Application 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 post-graduate degrees and expected completion dates

Application Deadline

September 30, 2026

How to Apply

For more Information, visit World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) webpage