The World Bank Group is inviting applications from talented young professionals for its Young Professionals Program (YPP), a highly competitive leadership development programme designed for individuals who are passionate about international development and want to build a career tackling some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.

The programme offers participants the opportunity to gain international experience across the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). Participants receive structured training, mentorship and leadership development while working on projects across different areas of global development. 

The two-year programme includes three mandatory eight-month rotations. These include a rotation within the participant’s primary area of expertise, a cross-institutional rotation and at least one rotation in a country office. Following successful completion of the programme, participants may be placed in a role for an additional five years, based on performance, with the possibility of contract renewal. 

To be eligible, applicants must hold a master’s degree or higher qualification in a relevant field by the programme’s September start date and have between two and six years of relevant professional experience as of September 1, 2026. Applicants pursuing a relevant doctorate may be able to count full-time doctoral research toward the experience requirement, provided their degree is substantially complete before the start date. Excellent spoken and written English is required, while proficiency in additional languages is an advantage. There is no age requirement for the programme. 

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic credentials, relevant professional experience, leadership potential and a genuine interest in international development. Applications are considered under two tracks: Operations and Specialized Functions.

The application portal opened on September 1, 2026, and the deadline to apply is September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC. Late applications will not be considered. The selection process includes an initial review in October, assessments and interviews in the following months, with the new cohort expected to begin in September 2027. 

Applicants will need to submit a CV or résumé (ideally one page, maximum two pages), passport photo page showing date of birth and primary nationality, and academic documentation such as transcripts or enrolment letters confirming postgraduate qualifications and expected completion dates. 

The programme is open to nationals of World Bank Group member countries, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements. 

Application deadline: September 30, 2026
Programme start: September 2027
Duration: 2 years
Location: Global / World Bank Group offices
Host: World Bank Group

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