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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:
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);
- Certificates and academic transcripts;
- Abstract of the doctorate dissertation and Master’s thesis (not required for the IFC and MIGA Placement), and;
- 1 short essay.
- 3 Professional or Academic Recomendations
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:
June – July – Applications Open for all profiles
August –September: Applications Re-Open for IFC & MIGA profiles only
July–September: 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:
2nd ROUND – TECHNICAL REVIEW
An average of 1,000 candidates take part in the second round. Having received a message from the selection team about their approval for the second round, the candidate should send a copy of their passport and three reference letters. These documents, along with those sent in the first round, will be submitted to a technical review, carried out by specialists in the candidates’ areas of expertise. This selection stage usually takes place between August and November.
3rd 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. This round of the World Bank YPP Selection Process usually takes place between the months of December and January. 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:
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Pre-recorded interview (on Hirevue)
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Live panel interview
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An assessment center, where you will be asked to participate in individual and group exercises
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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
4th 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.
This stage usually takes place between February and March. 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