At Youth Works Hub, we went through this call and its background so you know exactly what the World Bank Group's flagship leadership programme offers, who it's for, and the tight application window that closes on 30 September 2026. The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is the WBG's premier route for highly talented people passionate about global development, combining technical work, international experience and structured leadership development across the World Bank, IFC and MIGA.
What the Programme Is
🌍 The YPP is the World Bank Group's flagship leadership development initiative for highly talented individuals passionate about global development, offering the chance to build technical expertise, gain international experience, and contribute to projects tackling the world's most pressing development challenges.
🏢 It is a global and competitive selection, starting at headquarters in Washington DC and followed by field rotations across various World Bank Group offices.
How It Is Structured
📆 An initial two-year programme, followed by a five-year contract upon performance.
🔄 Working experience across the World Bank, IFC and MIGA through rotations (the programme's background indicates three mandatory eight-month rotations, including a primary function, a cross-institutional placement, and at least one country-office/field posting).
🎓 A tailored training programme in coaching, mentorship and leadership.
🌿 Interested in another development-focused funded route? See the DAAD-EPOS Funding for the MSc in Environmental Governance in 🇩🇪 Germany → https://youthworkshub.org/21039
Who Can Apply
🎓 The programme is aimed at early-career professionals; the background indicates a minimum of a graduate (Master's or higher) degree completed before the start, and 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience.
🗣️ Excellent English is essential, and applicants select the stream that best matches their qualifications, explaining how their experience, leadership potential and commitment to the WBG mission would let them contribute.
🌍 It is open to nationals of World Bank Group member countries, through a global and competitive selection. Current WBG staff, and relationships that would create a supervisor conflict, are not permitted.
The Streams
📊 You may submit one YPP application and select one primary stream, and within that application identify up to two additional streams for consideration; submitting more than one application results in disqualification. The streams span areas such as Investment, Education, Health, Social Protection, Economic Policies, Finance/Competitiveness & Innovation, Institutions, Poverty & Equity, Agriculture, Climate, Environment, Social, Water, Energy & Extractives, Sustainable Infrastructure Finance, Transport, Urban Development, Digital Transformation and Legal.
🎓 Weighing up other international leadership awards? Check the Lester B. Pearson Award for International Undergraduates in 🇨🇦 Canada → https://youthworkshub.org/21038
How and When to Apply
🖥️ Applications are made through the WBG Career Site; before applying, create a Career Site profile with an email you check regularly, and use the same account to submit and track your application.
🗓️ Applications open on 1 September 2026 and close on 30 September 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC; late applications cannot be accepted.
♿ The WBG commits to an inclusive, accessible recruitment process; applicants needing accommodation can contact the recruitment team at ypp@worldbankgroup.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What do I need to apply? A graduate degree and, per the programme background, 2 to 6 years of relevant experience, plus excellent English.
❓ Can I apply to more than one stream? You submit one application with one primary stream and up to two additional streams; multiple applications mean disqualification.
❓ Where is it based? It starts at headquarters in Washington DC, with field rotations across WBG offices.
❓ How long is the commitment? An initial two-year programme, followed by a five-year contract upon performance.
❓ When is the deadline? 30 September 2026, 11:59 PM UTC.
Deadline
⏳ 30 September 2026, 23:59 UTC
Links
🔗 Apply here: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/17/home?c=worldbankgroup
🔗 Official page: https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/careers/talent-programs/young-professionals-program
For more global development programmes and opportunities, explained clearly, visit Youth Works Hub.
⚠️ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.
