WBG Pioneer - Research Intern

Job #: req37552
Organization: World Bank
Grade: T4
Location: Maputo,Mozambique
Hiring Manager: Rafael Munoz Moreno
Required Language(s): English, Portuguese
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC)

Description

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.
Mozambique stands at a pivotal moment to unlock economic opportunities that can lead to more and better jobs for its youthful population. The country is endowed with substantial natural assets, including one of the world’s largest natural‑gas reserves, extensive mineral deposits (such as coal, rubies, graphite, and heavy sands), significant hydropower potential, vast tracts of arable land, rich biodiversity, and a long coastline. Its strategic location in the Indian Ocean enables it to serve as an economic gateway for several landlocked neighbours – namely, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Moreover, its youthful population offers the prospect of a sizeable demographic dividend. Harnessing its natural resource endowments, strategic geographic location, and human assets can unlock vast economic opportunities that would help improve employment outcomes and reduce poverty. Drawing on lessons from countries that have successfully leveraged similar advantages to accelerate development could help generate practical insights to prioritise reforms.
Mozambique’s growth model has delivered limited gains in living standards, largely because it has not created sufficient quality jobs. Despite its geographical location and vast natural assets, the country has not been able to translate its resource wealth into shared prosperity. This is mainly due to an extractive-led growth model that has provided limited benefits to the local economy, while weakening incentives to invest in human capital, expand basic infrastructure, improve the business environment, strengthen governance and institutions, and ensure prudent economic management. This situation is compounded by rapid population growth and heightened vulnerability to climate shocks. Suboptimal policy decisions have also negatively shaped the development trajectory. Collectively, these factors have undermined productivity, constrained formal job creation, and threatened social stability, while placing mounting pressure on public services and labor markets – especially as a large cohort of youth enters the workforce each year.
The FPG team is preparing a Country Growth & Jobs Report for FY27. The activity is expected to: (i) generate robust evidence on the constraints and opportunities for accelerating non-extractive economic growth and for creating more and better jobs; (ii) contribute to and influence relevant debates on the critical policy reforms and investments needed to transform resource wealth into shared prosperity; and (iii) provide relevant insights for ongoing and future WBG interventions (e.g., DPOs, TA, PforRs, IPFs, etc.).
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Lead and Senior Economists, the selected intern will support analytical work on industrial policy and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Mozambique. Specific responsibilities will include:
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of industrial policies implemented in Mozambique over the past two decades, including the compilation and systematization of policy measures by sector and by industrial policy instrument.
  • Develop a database of industrial policy interventions using the typology of policy tools outlined in the World Bank’s analytical framework, including instruments such as industrial parks, skills development programs, trade protection measures, production subsidies, and exchange rate policies.
  • Undertake a literature review and desk-based analysis to assess the objectives, implementation, and outcomes of major industrial policy interventions in Mozambique.
  • Support the identification and qualitative assessment of the costs and benefits associated with industrial policy measures in targeted sectors, drawing on available data, research studies, and international experience.
  • Analyze whether industrial policy interventions in Mozambique were aligned with international good practices regarding sector selection, policy design, and implementation.
  • Conduct an in-depth assessment of Mozambique’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial parks as instruments for promoting industrial development and structural transformation.
  • Compile and analyze evidence on the performance of SEZs, including investment attraction, employment generation, exports, productivity growth, and other relevant development outcomes.
  • Assess the costs, benefits, and implementation challenges associated with SEZs in Mozambique.
  • Evaluate the extent to which SEZs in Mozambique adhere to international good practices, including:
    • Strategic location selection based on access to labor markets and transport infrastructure;
    • Availability of complementary infrastructure and services outside the zones;
    • Governance arrangements and institutional frameworks, including transparent and competitive processes for attracting investors, operators, and tenants.
  • Prepare background notes, analytical briefs, presentations, and draft sections of reports summarizing findings and policy implications.
  • Present preliminary findings to World Bank staff and incorporate feedback into final outputs.
  • Expected Deliverables
  • Database and inventory of industrial policies implemented in Mozambique.
  • Background note reviewing industrial policy interventions and their outcomes.
  • Analytical assessment of the costs and benefits of industrial policy tools in selected sectors.
  • Detailed case study of Mozambique's SEZs and industrial parks.
  • Final research paper/report with policy recommendations.

Selection Criteria

  • Candidates must be currently enrolled in a Phd or Master’s program
  • Candidates must have 0–6 years of relevant professional experience 
  • Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description
  • Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission
  • Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
  • Proficiency in English and Portuguese
  • Knowledge of statistical and econometrics software (e.g., Stata, R, Python)

Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.