Application is now open for the 2025/2026 World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP). WBG Young Professionals Program is a competitive program designed for young professionals who want to launch their careers in international development.
World Bank Group is an international financial institution that provides financing, advice, and research to developing countries to help them achieve their development goals.
World Bank Group Young Professionals Program Overview
The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a flagship leadership program that recruits outstanding young professionals for full-time, five-year term positions at the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The program aims to engage top global talent with distinctive technical skills and diverse backgrounds to work towards a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Here’s what you need to know to apply:
Program Location
As a YPP participant, you may be required to relocate to Washington, D.C., or any of the World Bank Group’s country offices worldwide. You’ll have the opportunity to work on global projects and gain valuable experience in different areas of the World Bank Group’s operations.
Why Apply
The YPP offers a unique opportunity to:
- Work on high-impact projects and contribute to the World Bank Group’s mission and values
- Develop technical and leadership skills through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience
- Gain exposure to different sectors, countries, and cultures
- Build a global network of professionals and access to a community of Young Professionals
- Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings, and paid leave
- A competitive salary and benefits package (average net salary: $105,275/year, plus relocation, health insurance, and mobility perks)
- Opportunities for rotational assignments across the World Bank Group
- A structured learning and talent development journey through the YP Academy, featuring technical and operations training, language programs, negotiation and business skills development, and leadership development
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship connections
- Strategy-focused dialogues with senior leaders
Career Growth and Development
The YPP offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the World Bank Group, including:
- Rotational assignments across different sectors and countries
- Mentorship and coaching
- Leadership training and development
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the World Bank Group’s mission and values
Contract Details
Successful applicants will join the World Bank Group as Technical Specialists, Economists, or Associate Investment Officers on an initial five-year contract, subject to renewal based on performance. The contract start date is expected to be September 1, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the YPP, you must:
- Be born on or after October 1, 1992
- Hold a master’s-level degree or equivalent in a relevant field, completed before September 1, 2026
- Have at least four years of full-time work experience following undergraduate studies (relevant doctoral studies and internships may count towards work experience)
- Be a national of a World Bank Group member country
- Demonstrate fluency in English, with proficiency in other languages like French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese being a plus
Required Documents
To apply for the YPP, you’ll need to submit:
- Resume/CV: Ideally one page and no longer than two pages
- Passport Photo Page: To confirm your birth date and primary nationality
- Academic Transcripts: Graduate degrees or proof of expected completion
- Two Professional References: Non-relatives familiar with your qualifications
- Essays: Tailored to your chosen work program, demonstrating technical and leadership fit
How to Apply
The application portal for the YPP 2026 opens on September 1, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025. To apply, follow these steps:
- Register for an account on the World Bank Group’s website
- Complete the application form in a single session
- Upload the required documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
Application Timeline:
- June 1-30: Applications open for all profiles (for future cohorts, exact dates may vary)
- September 1-30: Application window for YPP 2026
- December 2025-January 2026: Shortlist interviews and assessments
- Late January 2026: Offers extended and decisions announced to all candidates
To apply for the 2025/2026 World Bank Group Young Professionals Program, visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/the-young-professionals-program