The World Bank Group has opened applications for its flagship Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2027, a highly competitive, fully funded leadership development initiative aimed at early-career professionals passionate about global development.
The program offers selected candidates a unique pathway into international careers, combining technical expertise-building, cross-institutional rotations, and hands-on work on the world’s most pressing development challenges. Participants begin with a structured two-year program and, upon successful performance, receive a five-year contract with the possibility of renewal.
Program Highlights
Young Professionals start at World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., before undertaking field rotations across various offices. The program includes three mandatory rotations of eight months each:
– One within the participant’s primary function and area of expertise
– One cross-institutional rotation
– At least one based in a country office
Candidates can apply under two tracks: **Operations** or **Specialized Functions** with the experience spanning the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
Participants also receive tailored leadership and technical training, dedicated coaching and mentorship, and opportunities to engage with senior leaders and build strategic professional networks.
The appointment is at GF-level (term appointment).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
– A minimum graduate-level degree (master’s or higher) in a relevant field, completed before the September 2027 start date. Full-time doctoral research may count toward professional experience if the degree is substantially complete (all written work submitted) by the start date.
– 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience.
– Citizenship of a World Bank Group member country (demonstrated by an official passport or equivalent document). Virtually all countries are eligible.
– Excellent command of spoken and written English (additional languages are an advantage).
– Applicants cannot be current World Bank Group employees (including term, open, short-term, or extended-term appointments) and must not have a close relative working at the institution or a spouse in a supervisory relationship.
Application Timeline
Application runs from September 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
– Longlisting: October 1–15, 2026 (top ~10% advance)
– Assessments: October 15–31, 2026 (virtual interviews, leadership and technical assessments)
– Panel Interviews & Case Studies: December 2026 – January 2027 (locations include Washington, D.C., Nairobi, Paris, and Bangkok)
– Final Selection Notification: Late January to early February 2027
– Program Start: September 2027 in Washington, D.C.
Required Documents
– CV/Resume (ideally 1 page, maximum 2 pages)
– Passport photo page confirming date of birth and primary nationality
– Academic transcripts or enrollment letters verifying postgraduate degrees and completion dates
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official World Bank Group YPP portal
