Motivated young African graduates are invited to apply for the ongoing application process of the Africa Fellowship Program by the World Bank Group. This program specifically aims to attract and support exceptionally talented African nationals who are in the final stages of their Ph.D. studies or have recently completed them, focusing on areas that align with the World Bank’s scope of work.
Since its establishment, the fellowship program has achieved remarkable success by fostering a robust pool of young African individuals who possess a keen interest in pursuing careers in development. These individuals have shown a strong inclination towards engaging with international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia. By providing valuable opportunities and support, this program contributes to nurturing the next generation of African professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the realm of development.
Fellowship Summary:
- Fellowship Sponsor: World Bank Group
- Host Institution: World Bank Group
- Fellowship Worth: Fully-funded
- Number of Awards: Multiple
- Study Level: Ph.D.
- Nationality: Open to African students
Fellowship Details:
The program provides a unique opportunity for fellows who are selected to engage in a six-month assignment at World Bank Group (WBG) offices in Washington D.C. or country offices. During this assignment, fellows will gain valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of WBG operations. These include actively participating in knowledge generation and dissemination, contributing to the design of global and country policies, and playing a role in the establishment of institutions that promote inclusive growth in developing nations.
In addition to benefiting from exposure to research and innovation across multiple sectors, fellows will actively contribute to research initiatives, economic policy development, technical assistance efforts, and lending operations that align with the World Bank’s overarching mission of eradicating poverty and fostering shared prosperity. This comprehensive involvement allows fellows to make tangible contributions towards the achievement of the World Bank’s goals while enhancing their own understanding of development practices and policies.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program aimed at young African graduates, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
- Applicants should be either recent Ph.D. graduates (within three years of completion) or currently in the final year of their Ph.D. program.
- Proficiency in English, both in written and verbal communication, is a prerequisite.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills are expected.
- Candidates must be below the age of 32 at the time of the application deadline.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Consultant fees: Selected fellows participating in the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program will be entitled to receive consultant fees.
- Round-trip air travel: Fellows will be provided with round-trip economy class air travel from their university or institution to either Washington, D.C. or a World Bank Group country office, depending on the assignment location.
Selection Process:
Phase I:
- Short-listing: Candidates will go through an initial evaluation process, and a short-list of applicants will be created based on their specialization and suitability for different units within the World Bank Group (WBG).
- Application status notification: Applicants will receive updates on the status of their application, including whether they have been shortlisted or not.
Phase II:
- Final selection: In close consultation with various units within the WBG, the final list of fellows will be chosen.
- Notification of selection: All shortlisted candidates will be informed about their selection status.
- Hiring process: Once selected, candidates will be notified of their acceptance and offered short-term consultant positions for a period of six months, commencing in January 2023.
How to Apply:
To apply for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program for Young African Graduates, interested and eligible candidates must complete the online application process. Following the submission, applicants can expect to receive notifications regarding the status of their application, including updates on whether they have been shortlisted or not.
