Through targeted programs and internships, the World Bank benefits from investing in the talent of young African professionals, and has much to gain by investing in more. Below is a list of career opportunities available for young Africans who are interested in working at the World Bank. The jobs are stationed both at the headquarters in Washington, DC and the Africa country offices. All of these opportunities are paid and require fluency in English. However, fluency in at least one other Bank language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, or Chinese) is an advantage. As a young African, I encourage any fellow African youth to consider these job opportunities and pass them along to interested peers:
1) Africa Fellowship Program
Description
Fellows will spend a minimum of 6 months getting hands-on experience at World Bank headquarters in Washington D.C. to work on economic policy, technical assistance to countries, and lending for eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity.
Who can apply?
Doctoral students of African descent within one or two years of completing a Ph.D. program in the following fields: Economics, Demography, Applied Statistics and Econometrics, Impact Evaluation, Education, Health, Energy, Agriculture, and Infrastructure. Applicants must be 32 years of age or below.
Learn more and APPLY here.
2) Internship Program
Description
This Internship typically seeks candidates in the following fields: Economics, Finance, Human Development (public health, education, nutrition, population), Social Science (anthropology, sociology), Agriculture, Environment, Private Sector Development, as well as other related fields.
Who can apply?
Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree and already be enrolled in a full-time graduate study program (pursuing a Master's degree or PhD with plans to return to school in a full-time capacity).
Learn more and APPLY here.
3) Junior Professionals Associates Program
Description
This is a two-year, entry-level program designed for those skilled in areas such as Economics, Finance, Human Resources Development (public health, education, nutrition, population), Social Sciences (anthropology, sociology), Agriculture, Environment, Private Sector Development, as well as other related fields.
Who can apply?
Applicants 28 years of age or below, holding the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree, with some relevant job experience.
Learn more and APPLY here.
4) MIGA Professional Program
Description
Candidates will be assigned to one of MIGA’s department to work in underwriting, financial accounting and reporting, as well as economics and risk management (including environmental and social risk mitigation).
Who can apply?
Applicants under 35 years of age with an advanced degree and a minimum of 5 years working experience in the relevant field.
Learn more and APPLY here.
5) Young Professionals Program
Description
This is a two-year, entry-level program designed for those skilled in areas such as Economics, Finance, Education, Public Health, Social Sciences, Engineering, Urban Planning, and Natural Resource Management.
Who can apply?
This program is open to applicants under 32 years of age with an advanced degree and a minimum of 3 years working experience in the relevant field.
Learn more and APPLY here.
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