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Deadline: April 3, 2024
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship 2024 is a six-month, online program that matches young 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 Evaluation (DIME) and Development Research Group departments, engaging in high-quality and policy-relevant research projects.
The program aims to enhance the fellows’ research skills and knowledge, expose them to the World Bank’s operations and data, and build their network with the World Bank’s research community and external collaborators. The program also offers a range of enrichment activities, such as academic support, leadership development, networking, and alumni engagement, to enhance the fellows’ experience and potential impact in their home countries and regions.
Benefits
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship 2024 offers the following benefits for the selected fellows:
- 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).
- A travel grant to cover transportation costs to and from Washington, D.C.
- A visa assistance from the World Bank’s HR Operations unit.
- A professional experience of working on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers and engaging with the World Bank operations and clients.
- A capacity building of receiving training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and participating in hands-on trainings and seminars by top economists.
- A research dissemination of writing a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC and having a chance to publish their work in the World Bank’s publications or co-author with DEC researchers.
- A certificate of completion and recognition from the World Bank.
SEE ALSO: LEAP Africa’s Leadership Accelerator Programme for Young African Women
Eligibility Criteria
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship 2024 is open to young researchers from developing countries who meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member country that is eligible to receive World Bank financing and not be a dual citizen of any country that is not eligible.
- Be 35 years of age or younger as of the application deadline.
- Be enrolled in a PhD program in a member country of the World Bank at the time of application.
- Have completed all coursework and exam requirements for attaining a PhD at the time of application.
- Have a master’s degree or equivalent in economics or a related field.
- Have an invitation letter from a university or research center in a World Bank member country other than the home country or country of residence of the applicant.
- Have a well-defined, clear, and innovative research proposal related to development issues, preferably aligned with the World Bank’s twin goals and DEC’s research agenda.
- Have a recommendation letter from the PhD thesis supervisor.
- Have a statement of purpose and a curriculum vitae.
Application Procedure
To apply for the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship 2024, applicants must follow these steps:
- Check the available program details and timeline here.
- Fill out an online application form and upload the following documents:
- A copy of their passport or national ID card.
- A copy of their academic transcript or certificate.
- A copy of their invitation letter from the host institution.
- A copy of their recommendation letter from the PhD thesis supervisor.
- A copy of their research proposal, not exceeding 10 pages.
- A copy of their statement of purpose, not exceeding 500 words.
- A copy of their curriculum vitae, not exceeding 3 pages.
- Submit the online application before the deadline, which is April 3, 2024.
- Wait for the announcement of the selection results, which will be made by June 30, 2024.
- If selected as a fellow, accept the offer and prepare for their arrival in Washington, D.C.
Application Registration Deadline: 3rd April, 2024
