WBG Pioneer - International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Intern

Job #: req37607
Organization: World Bank
Grade: T4 (no-fee)
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Hiring Manager: Natali Sequeira
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish
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.

As one of the World Bank Group institutions, ICSID is the world’s leading institution devoted to international investment dispute settlement. ICSID has administered the majority of all international investment cases. States have agreed on ICSID as a forum for investor-State dispute settlement in most international investment treaties and in numerous investment laws and contracts. ICSID provides settlement of disputes by conciliation, mediation, arbitration and fact-finding. 
ICSID also promotes greater awareness of international investment law and the ICSID process. It has an extensive program of publications, including the leading ICSID Review-Foreign Investment Law Journal and regularly publishes data about its activities and cases. ICSID staff organize and participate in numerous conferences on international investment dispute settlement worldwide.
ICSID offers internship opportunities to highly motivated students enrolled in a graduate degree program. The internship program provides students with an interest in international investment dispute settlement and international investment law with an in-depth understanding of ICSID’s work, enhances their academic and career goals, and offers a chance to bring innovative ideas and research experience to advance ICSID’s mission. 
Interns will be assigned to a case management team or the institutional team and work under the supervision of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and experienced ICSID Counsel. The internships take place at the seat of the Centre in Washington, D.C.
Interns will not be remunerated but will instead receive academic credit for their work upon successful completion of the internship or be sponsored by the university in which they are enrolled. 
Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program. They must also provide written confirmation stating that they will either: (i) obtain academic credit for at least one term/semester in a course of study; or (ii) be provided with a stipend by their university for the duration of the internship.
Candidates must further have or be able to obtain an F1 or G4 visa, or be U.S. citizens or residents (Green Card holders), and be able to cover their costs of travel, accommodation and living expenses in Washington, D.C. ICSID also recommends that interns procure medical insurance for the internship period.
Finally, candidates must satisfy the requirements of their university for an internship (as these may vary, students are encouraged to seek confirmation from their university that they are eligible for a particular internship period prior to applying).
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Administration of cases: Case-related tasks may include drafting working papers, conducting research, assisting with the drafting of case correspondence, reviewing translations, and making logistical arrangements for hearings. 
  • Institutional Matters: Tasks may include drafting research memoranda in international investment law and public international law, preparing presentations on various topics, reviewing translations, and making logistical arrangements for institutional events.

Selection Criteria

  • Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, a postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program (i.e., 3L, LLM or Ph.D. students) 
  • Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge of investor-State dispute settlement and international investment law
  • Ability to conduct research on a range of issues in arbitration and investment law
  • Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong writing and legal drafting skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
  • Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments
  • Proficiency in English and preferably in at least one of the other two ICSID official languages (i.e., French and Spanish)
This position is offered under the WBG Pioneers No-Fee Internship Track. Students may be offered a no-fee STT appointment provided that they either: (a) are enrolled in a Master's, PhD, or similar graduate program during the entire internship (or are in the fifth year or higher of a degree program in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages) and provide an official letter from their university confirming that the internship fulfills academic requirements for at least one term of study; or (b) are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies and receive a stipend from their university at least equivalent to the minimum STT T1 fee level in effect at the start of the assignment, as confirmed by an official university letter.
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.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
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.