Deadline: February 28, 2024

Applications are open for the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program 2024. The World Bank’s Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program (RSMFP) matches aspiring development economics researchers from developing countries with World Bank research economists, creating unique opportunities for the fellows to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).

Fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. for 8 months (September to May each year) and work under the supervision of researchers in the World Bank’s Development Impact (DIME) and Development Research Group departments, engaging in high-quality and policy-relevant research projects.

By working with World Bank DEC researchers and their external academic collaborators from top universities, fellows will learn current research standards, acquire new econometric skills, and network with leading researchers in their field. They will have a unique opportunity to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research and widen their perspective on potential development questions, and how their research can address challenges in the developing world.

Key Program Features

• Professional experience: Fellows will work on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers and will be offered training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and engage with the World Bank operations. Depending on the nature of projects, fellows may contribute to DEC’s published work, co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, or directly engage with World Bank clients.
• Capacity building: Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices. During the program, fellows will participate in hands-on trainings and seminars by top economist, to further build skills. Through their work with DEC economists, fellows will enhance their ability to identify, study, and write about important development policy questions.
• Research dissemination: Fellows will be invited to write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC. This is an opportunity to showcase their research and contribution to development policy discussions. Each year, the top 4 blogs will be published on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.

Benefits

• The RSMFP offers a competitive compensation, totaling $46,500 net of income taxes for the 2023-24 cohort, per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments). Since the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their ap­plication for G4 visa.

Note: The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.

Eligibility

To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:

• Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
• Fluent in English;
• Graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
• No more than 35 years of age (by June 30 2024);
• Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.

Selection Process

• Fellowships will be awarded based on application materials, knowledge of relevant economic methods, and demonstrated skills in required statistical software. Cohort formation will seek to achieve geographical and gender representation.

Application

Applications for the 2024 cohort are open from February 1 to February 28, 2024. Applicants must submit:

• An updated CV
• A statement of purpose describing their research interests, professional objectives, and discussing their qualifications as development researchers
• Contact details for a reference who can provide a letter of recommendation (letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates)
• A writing sample (optional)
• A code sample (optional)

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Robert S. McNamara Fellowships.