Once in a Lifetime Opportunity, World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026 Cohort

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Once in a Lifetime Opportunity, World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026 Cohort

Introduction

For over 60 years, the Young Professionals Program (YPP) has been the flagship entry point for future leaders of the World Bank Group. It is a highly competitive and uniquely rewarding opportunity for outstanding individuals to launch an international career in development, helping solve the world’s most pressing challenges and shaping a future free of poverty on a livable planet.

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, with 189 member nations, staff from over 170 countries, and offices in 130+ locations. It comprises five institutions:

IBRD and IDA (the World Bank),
IFC,
MIGA,
ICSID.

Together, they provide financing, policy advice, and innovative solutions in every major area of development.

Background and Context of the Program

The YPP recruits exceptional talent from around the world with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds. YPs join on a two-year term contract, with the possibility of a five-year renewable contract based on performance.

YPs enter through one of two tracks:

Operations Track (sectoral and country work), or
Specialized Functions Track (areas like finance, legal, IT, HR, and strategy).

All YPs are enrolled in the YP Academy, which provides a structured learning and leadership development journey, including:

Technical and operations training,
Language courses,
Negotiation and business skills,
Leadership coaching and mentoring,
Strategy dialogues with senior leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities

YPs are placed across the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA. Their responsibilities include:

Designing and delivering development projects,
Conducting policy dialogue and analytical research,
Providing technical expertise in thematic areas,
Engaging in client relationships and global partnerships,
Shaping solutions that address poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Why Apply?

Be part of a prestigious global network of nearly 1,000 YPP alumni, many of whom now hold senior management and technical leadership roles.
Work across sectors from Agriculture to Water, influencing policies and projects that touch millions of lives.
Build a dynamic professional network within the WBG and beyond.
Access unparalleled career development opportunities with global mobility.

If you are seeking a career with impact, influence, and growth, the YPP is your entry point.

Work Programs

YPs may join one of the following tracks:

Operations Track – focusing on human development, prosperity, planet, infrastructure, and digital:

Health, Education, Social Protection
Economic Policy, Finance, Poverty & Equity, Institutions
Agriculture, Climate, Environment, Social Development, Water
Energy & Extractives, Sustainable Infrastructure, Transport, Urban Development
Digital Transformation

Specialized Functions Track – focusing on investment, compliance, technology, and corporate functions:

IFC & MIGA: Investment, Advisory, Trade, Blended Finance, Risk Insurance
Legal: Corporate & Project Law, Advisory
IT & Data Solutions: Operations, Analytics, Digital Platforms
Budget, Strategy & Performance Review
Human Resources

Eligibility Requirements

Education: Master’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field; or doctoral-level studies (substantially complete by Sept 1, 2026).
Experience: 2–6 years of relevant professional experience (doctoral research may count).
Nationality: Citizen of a WBG member country.
Languages: Fluency in English; proficiency in other WBG languages is an asset.
Restrictions: Current WBG staff (open/term/ST/ET) are not eligible. Former Bank interns and JPAs may apply (with eligibility conditions).

Contract Terms

Start date: September 1, 2026
Initial 2-year term contract (GF level), renewable for a 5-year contract based on performance.
Possible assignment to Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office (relocation required).
G-type visa sponsorship may be available for the YP and dependents.

Benefits

Competitive World Bank Group salary and benefits package,
Structured learning via YP Academy,
Global mobility across WBG operations and functions,
Mentorship and career development with senior leaders,
Life-long membership in a prestigious alumni community.

Deadline

📅 Application portal opens: September 1, 2025
📅 Closes: September 30, 2025 (11:59 UTC)
⏳ Late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Visit the official World Bank Group YPP careers portal.
Select a Work Program track (Operations or Specialized Functions).
Submit online application with:
- CV/Resume (1–2 pages),
- Passport bio page,
- University transcripts or enrollment letters,
- Responses supporting your work program selection.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews & assessments (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026).
Final results communicated by late January 2026.