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Before you apply to the World Bank Group YPP it is important to know that this is a highly competitive selection process. Approximately 6,000 people apply every year but only around 40 are selected. Some of the minimum criteria for this program are: citizenship of a World Bank Group member country; fluency in English; holding a Master’s (MSc), MBA or doctorate (PhD) qualification and relevant work experience.

In this article, we will show the main elements that you should be aware of before you apply for the World Bank YPP – important information if you want to start a career as a Young Professional (YP) at such an impactful IGO!

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services with the aim of highly increasing the chances of success for those who will apply for the World Bank YPP.

Our comprehensive eBook will introduce you to the complex world of the World Bank Group and its approach towards international development, as well as will teach you how to prepare each of the documents required in detail, and will also get you ready for the interview and assessment center. This eBook was written and revised by a team of professors, human resources specialists, and former young professionals with a great deal of diligence.

In addition, we have developed support and guidance services. These services include revising your WBG YPP application documents (essay, curriculum vitae, and thesis/dissertation short summaries) and a mock interview as per the World Bank YPP model.

Having a mock interview with a professional who has extensive experience and knowledge of the World Bank YPP interview model will help you be better prepared for this phase, greatly increasing your chances of being selected for the desired vacancy.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR WBG YPP PRODUCTS & SERVICES?

World Bank Group YPP – Products & Services

Would like to know more about World Bank career opportunities? Then check our WBG Jobs overview right now:

World Bank Jobs: Overview

Want to discover how to write the perfect essay for the WBG YPP? Then check out our article on the topic!

The World Bank YPP selection process is divided into four rounds and knowing them is crucial before you apply for the World Bank Group YPP. They are the following:

1st ROUND – APPLY FOR THE WORLD BANK GROUP YPP

Involves completing the online application form and also sending in documents through the system. The following documents should be sent at this stage:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/resume (ideally 1 page and no longer than 2 pages);
• Passport photo page to help confirm your birth date and primary nationality;
• Transcript(s) or enrollment letter(s) to confirm your post-graduate educational degrees and (expected) completion dates;
• Two references from persons, to whom you are not related, who have known you well in a professional capacity for at least one year, and are familiar with your qualifications and recent professional and academic experience and accomplishments. If you are currently employed, including your current employer as a reference is not mandatory. If you are currently engaged in doctoral research, including your faculty advisor/supervisor reference is recommended;
• Answer to the following questions: 1) In 250 words or less, outline your qualifications for the work program you selected (be as specific as possible); 2) In 400 words or less, tell us about your motivation for applying to the YPP, your commitment to the WBG’s mission and how your professional conduct embodies our shared values; 3) In 400 words or less, tell us how your skills, expertise and experience would contribute to the WBG’s mission of creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet? Please consult the Bank’s scorecard to understand how the WBG tracks results.

You can download a World Bank YPP essay sample here. An average of 5,000 – 10,000 candidates take part in the first round. The selection team carries out the initial process to check whether the candidates fully meet the minimum eligibility requirements and select those who will take part in the second round.

It is important to emphasize that all the candidates are notified of their application status in the selection process.

This selection stage comprises the following periods:

September – Applications Open for all profiles

October-November: Applicants screened by WBG recruiters

To make sure you increase your chances of being selected to the 2nd round of the World Bank YPP, get our application review service:

WBG YPP APPLICATION REVIEW

2nd ROUND – INTERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT CENTER

This stage involves a pre-recorded interview on the Hirevue platform, an assessment center, an individual interview, and timed computer-based financial tests (this one for IFC candidates only). At this stage, the WBG YPP team aims to gain an in-depth analysis of the candidates’ technical abilities and behavior.

It is emphasized that, to be approved in this round, information from the previous ones will also be considered. An average of 200 candidates takes part in the third round.

Note: Because of COVID-19, since 2021 interviews have been conducted virtually, being comprised of the following stages:

• Pre-recorded interview (on Hirevue)

• Live panel interview

• An assessment center, where you will be asked to participate in individual and group exercises

• Timed computer-based financial tests (IFC candidates)

To make sure you increase your chances of succeeding during the interview phase of the WBG YPP, check our mock interview service:

World Bank Group YPP Mock Interview

3th ROUND: FINAL SELECTION

The fourth round is the final stage of the World Bank YPP selection process. In this phase, the candidates who were selected in the previous round (usually about 60) are referred for review by the vice-presidents who then make the final selection by matching the Bank’s current needs with the different candidates’ profiles.

Approximately 40 candidates usually receive job proposals. If the offer is accepted, the WBG will carry out a security clearance process, which comprises a detailed investigation of the candidate’s personal background.

If this stage is successfully completed, the Bank will send the candidate a letter of appointment, which establishes the type of contract, start date and entry salary, among other items.

The new YPs start work in September, providing sufficient time to prepare for the move to Washington D.C., advise current employers and finalize their studies, if applicable.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services with the aim of highly increasing the chances of success for those who will apply for the World Bank YPP.

Our comprehensive eBook will introduce you to the complex world of the World Bank Group and its approach towards international development, as well as will teach you how to prepare each of the documents required in detail, and will also get you ready for the interview and assessment center. This eBook was written and revised by a team of professors, human resources specialists, and former young professionals with a great deal of diligence.

In addition, we have developed support and guidance services. These services include revising your WBG YPP application documents (essay, curriculum vitae, and thesis/dissertation short summaries) and a mock interview as per the World Bank YPP model.

Having a mock interview with a professional who has extensive experience and knowledge of the World Bank YPP interview model will help you be better prepared for this phase, greatly increasing your chances of being selected for the desired vacancy.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR WBG YPP PRODUCTS & SERVICES?

World Bank Group YPP – Products & Services