WBG Pioneer - MLG Program Intern

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 Pioneer

Background/Organizational Context 

The World Bank's Governance Global Practice works to help client countries build capable, efficient, open, inclusive, and accountable institutions. Within the GOV GP, two interrelated global programs form the focus of this internship: the Multilevel Governance Program (MGP) and the Governance in Sectors Program. 

The MLG Program advances global knowledge and strengthens the World Bank's support to client governments on decentralization, intergovernmental fiscal relations, and sector service delivery. The Governance in Sectors Program deepens partnerships with the World Bank's sectoral Global Practices, including health, education, and water, to address governance constraints to service delivery through problem-driven, outcome-led approaches. 

Together, these two programs work at the intersection of subnational governance, intergovernmental fiscal relations, and service delivery, and are actively expanding their analytical and operational knowledge base. The internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research, knowledge production, and operational work at this intersection. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct literature reviews on decentralization, intergovernmental fiscal relations, subnational governance, and governance constraints in the sectors. 

• Draft working papers, primers, guidance notes, and policy briefs for internal and external audiences. 

• Synthesize lessons from country case studies and operational experience into knowledge products. 

• Provide research support to ongoing lending and analytical operations. 

• Support coordination with sectoral Global Practices and external partners. 

• Contribute to new knowledge products and partnership frameworks aligned with MLG and Governance in Sectors priorities. 

• Assist in organizing and documenting learning events, workshops, and communities of practice. 

Selection Criteria

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, an undergraduate or postgraduate (PhD) 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 

No-Fee Internship Eligibility

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.