World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) 2026

For over 60 years, the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) 2026 has served as one of the most prestigious entry points for future global leaders. This program offers a unique opportunity to work across the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), tackling some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.

The YPP is designed for individuals with exceptional academic and professional backgrounds, strong leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to international development. Each year, a small group of outstanding candidates from around the world is selected to join this competitive program.

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Background & Program Overview

The World Bank Group is a leading international development institution, comprising 189 member countries, staff from over 170 nationalities, and offices in more than 130 locations globally. The WBG YPP brings together top talent to advance the institution’s mission: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

Through the YPP, participants (known as Young Professionals or YPs) are offered a two-year structured training and development program that often leads to long-term career opportunities within the organization. This includes exposure to global operations, leadership development, cross-sectoral collaboration, and opportunities to work on real-world projects.

Why Apply for the World Bank YPP

The YPP provides participants with a structured pathway to leadership positions within the organization. Nearly 1,000 alumni currently hold senior technical and managerial roles across the World Bank Group.

Key benefits include:

A competitive two-year term appointment with the possibility of a five-year renewable contract.
Leadership and technical training through the YP Academy, including language courses, negotiation workshops, and strategy sessions.
Access to a global professional network of peers, mentors, and senior leaders.
Opportunities to work across multiple sectors and regions, from Agriculture to Water, Finance to Climate.
One-on-one coaching and career development support.

This program is ideal for ambitious professionals seeking to make a tangible impact on global development.

Tracks and Work Programs

Participants join through either the Operations Track or the Specialized Functions Track. Work programs span a broad range of technical fields:

People: Health, Education, Social Protection
Prosperity: Economic Policies, Poverty and Equity, Finance and Investment
Planet: Agriculture, Climate, Environment, Social, Water
Infrastructure: Energy, Transport, Urban Development
Digital: Digital Transformation and ICT
Investment: IFC/MIGA advisory, structured finance, trade, and risk insurance
Legal, IT, Human Resources, Budget & Strategic Planning fields

This structure allows YPs to develop technical depth while gaining cross-sectoral breadth, preparing them to lead complex international development initiatives.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the WBG YPP 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Be a national of a World Bank Group member country.
Hold a master’s degree (minimum) or equivalent, completed before September 1, 2026.
Have 2–6 years of relevant professional work experience. Doctoral studies may count toward the experience requirement.
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and the ability to work across sectors and cultural contexts.
Show excellent English language skills (fluency in other languages is an advantage).
Applicants must not be current WBG staff members, although former interns and Junior Professional Associates (JPAs) are eligible to apply.

Contract Terms & Employment Details

Selected candidates are offered a two-year employment contract at the GF level (mid-career staff), starting September 1, 2026. This may be followed by a renewable five-year contract based on performance.

YPs may be assigned to Washington, DC or WBG country offices worldwide, depending on operational needs. The program also offers G-type visas for participants and their dependents, where applicable.

Application Process

The application portal opens September 1, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC. Late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

A detailed CV or resume (1–2 pages)
Passport photo page for nationality confirmation
Academic transcripts or enrollment letters
Clear justification for chosen work program area

The selection process includes interviews and assessments between December 2025 and January 2026, with final decisions announced by late January 2026.

Testimonials from YPP Alumni

“The YP Program supported my growth by easing my transition into the WBG, building connections, and offering rotations that clarified where my skills fit.” – Aditi Kadam

“The Young Professionals Program at the World Bank connects research to policy and lets me work across sectors for real-world impact.” – Brock Andrew Rowberry

“Joining the YPP opens doors to leadership events, targeted training, and lasting connections with peers — empowering you to make real impact from day one.” – Myat Thiha Kyaw

These testimonials reflect the program’s ability to shape leaders, build global networks, and accelerate careers in international development.

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