The Junior Professional Associate (JPA) program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain entry-level professional experience and firsthand exposure to the challenges and rewards of international development.
Eligibility Criteria for the World Bank Junior Professional Associate
To be eligible for the JPA program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be 28 years of age or younger on the first day of service
- Hold the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree
- Be fluent in English
- Fluency in one or more of the Bank’s working languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish, is a plus
Qualifications Required for the World Bank Junior Professional Associate
JPAs are expected to possess superior academic achievements and strong analytical and research skills in specialized areas such as:
- Economics and finance
- Human development, including public health, education, nutrition, and population
- Social sciences, such as anthropology and sociology
- Agriculture and environment, including climate and blue economy
- Infrastructure and private sector development
- Corporate and administrative functions, including IT, legal, accounting, and communications
Roles and Responsibilities of the World Bank Junior Professional Associate
As a JPA, candidates will work with senior colleagues and project teams in operations and corporate functions. The key responsibilities include:
- Utilizing strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
- Demonstrating proficiency in technology and research abilities
- Gaining first-hand exposure to the challenges of reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity
- Acquiring new skills and honing existing ones
Benefits of the Junior Professional Associate Position With The World Bank
The World Bank offers Junior Professional Associates the opportunity to gain entry-level professional experience in a multicultural environment. The two-year, non-renewable Extended Term Consultant (ETC) contract comes with benefits.
Career Advancement for World Bank JPA
The JPA program can serve as a steppingstone to a career in government, consulting, the private sector, academia, or other development agencies.
Recruitment Process for the Junior Professional Associate at the World Bank
Recruitment and hiring for the JPA program occur throughout the year. Since the program is highly competitive, applicants under consideration may be asked to submit academic records and references. Only those selected for an assignment will be contacted.
FIND INFO ON THE ODI FELLOWSHIP SCHEME
The World Bank values diversity and inclusivity and seeks qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds worldwide. The JPA program is not an entry point for a career at the World Bank, and employment beyond the two-year contract will be prohibited for a period of two years after the end of the contract. However, former JPAs with experience elsewhere and expertise in their professional fields may rejoin the organization later in their careers.