About this opportunity
The Young Professionals Program is how the World Bank Group brings in the next generation of its technical and managerial staff. YPs build expertise through three mandatory rotations of eight months each, one inside their own function and area of expertise, one cross-institutional, and at least one based in a country office. Alongside the rotations there is tailored leadership and technical training, dedicated mentorship and direct engagement with senior leaders.
The 2027 cycle opened on September 1, 2026 and closes on September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC. The World Bank Group is explicit that late applications will not be considered, and that no submissions arrive by email or can be edited after the
Application timeline
You may apply under one of two tracks, Operations or Specialized Functions, and you may indicate up to two additional streams within the same application.
The appointment is a GF-level term position. The program runs for two years, and on successful completion participants are placed in a role for an additional five years based on performance, with the possibility of renewal. Salary and benefits are set by established World Bank Group criteria and are not individually negotiated. All new YPs start at headquarters in Washington, DC, and the 2027 cohort begins in September 2027.
This is a competitive, structured process rather than a single interview. Expect a longlist review, virtual interviews with leadership and technical assessments, and panel interviews with case studies held in Washington DC and Nairobi in December, or in Paris and Bangkok in January.
What you receive
- A two year program followed by a role for an additional five years based on performance, with the possibility of contract renewal
- A GF-level term appointment with the World Bank Group
- Three mandatory rotations of eight months each, including one cross-institutional rotation and at least one in a country office
- Working experience across the World Bank, IFC and MIGA
- Tailored leadership and technical training, dedicated mentorship and direct engagement with senior leaders
- Initial start at headquarters in Washington, DC followed by field rotations in various World Bank Group offices
- Spouses and dependents of World Bank Group staff are eligible to apply for G-4 dependent visas
- Accommodation and support during recruitment available on request to the recruitment team
Who can apply
- A minimum graduate-level degree or a higher qualification in a relevant field, completed before the September start date
- Two to six years of qualifying full-time professional experience in the related work area, calculated as of 1 September 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, provided the degree is substantially complete with all written work submitted before the September start date
- An excellent command of spoken and written English is mandatory. Fluency in additional languages is an advantage and may strengthen your application
- You must not be a current World Bank Group employee at the time of application, including term, open, short-term and extended-term appointments
- You must not have a close relative working at the World Bank Group, or a spouse in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship
- There is no age requirement. Eligibility is based on the professional experience requirement, not age
- Former World Bank Group staff may apply if they otherwise meet the criteria, unless an applicable World Bank Group policy, directive or procedure states otherwise
Who should not apply
- Anyone with an active contract with the World Bank Group as an Independent Contractor is not eligible
- Applicants with fewer than two years or more than six years of qualifying full-time professional experience as of 1 September 2026 are not eligible
- You may submit only one application. Submitting more than one application results in disqualification
- Some family relationships with World Bank Group staff may make an applicant ineligible, while others require safeguards around reporting lines, supervision, assignment or routine professional contract
Documents to prepare
- A CV or resume, ideally one page and a maximum of two pages
- Your passport photo page, confirming birth date and primary nationality. In the absence of a passport, an approved equivalent document
- Academic proof: transcripts or enrollment letters verifying your post-graduate degrees and expected completion dates
- Two written statements of up to 400 words each, one on your general qualifications and one on your stream-specific qualifications
How to apply
- Read the Young Professionals Program page on the World Bank Group careers site and review the description and qualifications for each available stream before choosing.
- Sign up for an account on the World Bank Group careers website as well as submitting your application, since status updates are sent to registered accounts and appear under your requisition.
- Open the application through the official Apply Now link on the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program page.
- Select one primary stream and up to two optional alternatives, then enter your contact information, education credentials, experience and eligibility information.
- Upload your CV, passport photo page or approved equivalent, and academic transcripts or enrollment letters.
- Write the two statements of up to 400 words each, using specific examples to show your technical depth, results, problem solving and conduct that reflects World Bank Group values.
- Submit by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC. Late submissions, applications sent by email and changes after the deadline are not accepted.
- Contact ypp@worldbankgroup.org at any stage if you need accommodation or other support to participate.
Selection process
- Application period runs September 1 to 30, with submissions required by 11:59 PM UTC.
- Longlist: the full applicant list is reviewed on October 1-15 and the top 10 percent move to the next stage.
- Assessment: virtual interviews, a leadership assessment and technical assessments are issued from October 15 to 31.
- Interviews: panel interviews and case studies take place in Washington DC and Nairobi in December, or in Paris and Bangkok in January.
- Selection: background checks are completed and offers are sent in late January.
- Entrance: the new cohort starts in Washington, DC in September 2027.
- Candidates are told in advance which stages apply to them.
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Is there an age limit for the Young Professionals Program?
No. There is no age requirement. Eligibility is based on the approved professional experience requirement, not age.
How much experience do I need?
Between two and six years of qualifying full-time professional experience as of 1 September 2026. Less than two or more than six years makes you ineligible. Full-time doctoral research may count towards this if your degree is substantially complete with all written work submitted before the September start date.
Can I apply to more than one stream or position?
You may submit only one application to the program. Within that single application you select one primary stream and may indicate up to two additional streams for consideration if your profile aligns. Submitting more than one application results in disqualification.
Can I apply again if I have applied before?
Yes, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. The World Bank Group advises against reusing your prior responses, particularly where the prompts have changed, and suggests you assess whether you have continued to develop professionally since your last application.
Where will I be based?
All Young Professionals start their assignments at World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, DC. Rotation locations are determined by program requirements, business needs and development objectives, and at least one rotation is based in a country office.
Can I defer my start date?
The program FAQ states that all Young Professionals start together with the cohort in Washington, DC in September 2027, and directs applicants to review the deferral terms in the official FAQ before assuming a later start is possible.
Will I be paid a negotiated salary?
No. Salary and benefits are determined using established World Bank Group criteria and are not individually negotiated. Your offer letter provides the details applicable to your appointment.
Important disclaimer
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