WBG Young Professional

Job #: req38188
Organization: World Bank Group
Sector: Other
Grade: GF
Term Duration:  2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Are you ready for a career with a lasting impact? 
The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals Program (YPP) offers exceptional professionals from around the world the opportunity to apply their specialized technical expertise, broaden their experience, and contribute to solutions to some of the most pressing development challenges. Young Professionals (YPs) work across the World Bank, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID in support of our mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more than 60 years, this highly competitive program has selected outstanding professionals to contribute to the institution’s work and develop as future leaders in global development. 
We seek candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential, exceptional technical skills, and a clear commitment to our mission and values. As a YP, you will collaborate with colleagues across disciplines and institutions, applying your expertise to help address pressing development challenges and improve lives around the world. 
YPs join the World Bank Group on an initial two-year term contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. During this period, YPs complete three eight-month rotations: one with their primary function and area of expertise, one cross-institutional rotation, and at least one rotation based in a country office.  These assignments enable YPs deepen their technical and operational knowledge while gaining experience across different areas of the institution.
Through the YP Academy, YPs undertake a structured learning and development journey that includes technical and operational training, language programs, negotiation and business skills, and leadership development. They also receive individual coaching, connect with mentors, and participate in strategic dialogues with senior leaders.
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a member of the World Bank Group, is the global leader in international investment dispute settlement. Its mandate is to foster increased flows of international investment by providing an impartial and effective international forum for the resolution of disputes between host governments and foreign investors. Further information about ICSID can be found at www.worldbank.org/icsid.
What You'll Deliver
The role reports to the ICSID Secretariat’s Front Office, and will work under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary-General, and under the general guidance of the ICSID Secretary-General.  You will primarily work on institutional matters but will also provide support in arbitration and conciliation proceedings.  
  • Institutional 
    • Assist ICSID management with the development and implementation of institutional policies and procedures related to ICSID Convention membership, including maintenance of the Panels of Conciliators and of Arbitrators and updates of ICSID official documents.
    • Assist with ongoing projects and other special initiatives.
    • Assist with outreach to member governments and other ICSID stakeholders.
    • Assist with the preparation and delivery of technical assistance, seminars and training courses.
    • Assist with the preparations for the annual meetings of the ICSID Administrative Council.
    • Research and draft memoranda and correspondence concerning various institutional issues.
    • Participate in the maintenance and expansion of a system for electronic storage, classification and management of ICSID institutional archives, including drafting of guidelines.
    • Assist management and other counsel with drafting of speeches and publications.
    • Assist in the coordination of conferences offered by ICSID, including the annual AAA/ICC/ICSID Joint Colloquium.
    • Assist with the coordination and preparation of ICSID publications, including the ICSID Review—Foreign Investment Law Journal and the ICSID Annual Report.
    • Deliver presentations and represent ICSID at conferences and meetings with State representatives and the public.
    • Undertake legal research in the fields of conciliation, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution and foreign investment law.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of internal best practices.
    • Contribute to knowledge creation and knowledge sharing related to ICSID's activities, both within and outside the WBG.
    • Work on other matters, initiatives and programs as the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General or Team Leaders may assign.
  • Case Administration
    • Analyze requests for conciliation and arbitration, and applications for post-award remedies.
    • Assist in the constitution of conciliation commissions, arbitral tribunals and ad hoc committees.
    • Help administer the subsequent proceedings, including complex and novel proceedings.
    • Supervise the financial aspects of proceedings, including advances of funds, reimbursement of arbitrator and other costs, and refunds to parties.
    • Assist in the preparation of procedural orders, and the review of decisions and awards.
    • Assist conciliators, arbitrators and committee members to identify necessary legal and practice materials.

What You’ll Bring 
  • Law degree (JD, LLM or equivalent) and admission to the Bar (or equivalent) in at least one jurisdiction.
  • 2-6 years of relevant professional experience, including significant experience as arbitration counsel or as tribunal secretary in investment or commercial arbitration.
  • Advanced knowledge of international investment law and public international law.
  • Advanced knowledge of arbitration practice and procedure.
  • Advanced knowledge of ICSID and investor-State dispute settlement.
  • Excellent skills in organizing, prioritizing and coordinating work.
  • Capacity to deliver a substantial and proficient level of work independently.
  • Sense of responsibility, integrity and positive attitude.
  • Initiative: Volunteers to undertake tasks and lead projects.
  • Professional Maturity: Listens well to others and communicates in a respectful manner. takes the time to clarify others' points of view and reach consensus.
  • Leadership and Mentoring: Strong leadership skills and ability to lead by example. Shares own expertise with others regarding task accomplishment and general legal and ICSID knowledge. Ability to supervise more junior colleagues (e.g., Associate Counsel, Paralegals and Legal Assistants) and provide constructive feedback.
  • Legal Drafting and Research: Excellent legal drafting skills in English; drafting skills in French and/or Spanish would be desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to research complex arbitration and investment law questions, and draft documents in a clear and precise manner with limited supervision.
  • Legal Reasoning: Able to anticipate and address complex and novel issues. Able to analyze a problem or situation by breaking it down into its component parts and articulating its implications in a step-by-step manner.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

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.