World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026 | Fully Funded Career Opportunity 

World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026: Overview

The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) is the flagship recruitment initiative for building future leaders at the World Bank Group (WBG). With staff from over 170 countries and offices in 130+ locations, the WBG works to end poverty and promote sustainable development worldwide.

The YPP recruits talented individuals with technical expertise, leadership potential, and a passion for development. Participants join as mid-career professionals with opportunities to work across the World Bank, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID.

Contract start date: 1 September 2026.

World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a national of a World Bank Group member country.

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (completed before 1 September 2026).

• Have 2–6 years of professional work experience (doctoral research in relevant fields may count).

• Be fluent in English (knowledge of additional languages is an asset).

• Not currently be a WBG staff member, nor hold ET or ST contracts at the time of application.

• Former Bank interns (ending on/before 30 Sept 2025) and JPAs may apply.

World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026: Benefits

• 2-year term contract at GF staff level (mid-career entry).

• Possible 5-year renewable contract based on performance.

• G-type visa sponsorship for applicant and dependents (where eligible).

• Placement in Washington, DC or WBG offices worldwide.

• Competitive international salary and benefits package.

Fellowship/Program Components

Applicants choose a Work Program Track:

Operations Track (Global Development Sectors)

• People: Health, Education, Social Protection.

• Prosperity: Economic Policy, Finance, Institutions, Poverty & Equity.

• Planet: Climate, Agriculture, Water, Environment, Social.

• Infrastructure: Energy, Transport, Urban Development.

• Digital Transformation.

Specialized Functions Track

• Investment (Advisory, Finance, Equity, Loans, Insurance).

• Legal (Corporate Finance, Law Advisory, Project Design).

• IT & Digital Solutions (Data Science, Platforms, Operations).

• Budget, Strategy & Performance.

• Human Resources.

Application Requirements

Applicants must upload via the YPP portal:

• CV/resume (1–2 pages).

• Passport photo page (to confirm nationality and birthdate).

• Academic transcripts or enrollment letters confirming degree completion.

• Clear justification for chosen work program, supported by skills and experience.

Selection Criteria

• Technical depth (expertise in chosen field).

• Technical breadth (ability to work across multiple WBG sectors).

• Leadership potential (innovation, collaboration, and development impact).

• Commitment to WBG’s mission of poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Application Process

• Application Window: 1–30 September 2025 (closes 11:59 UTC).

• Assessment & Interviews: December 2025 – January 2026.

• Final Selection Announcements: Late January 2026.

• Program Start: 1 September 2026.

Applications are submitted through the official YPP portal. Late applications are not considered.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026