Applications are now being accepted for the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program 2024. The World Bank’s Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program (RSMFP) offers aspiring development economics researchers from developing countries the opportunity to collaborate with World Bank research economists, providing unique avenues for fellows to engage in impactful policy-relevant research within the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).
Paid World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program 2024
Fellows will spend 8 months (from September to May each year) at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., working under the guidance of researchers in the Development Impact (DIME) and Development Research Group departments. This engagement involves participating in high-quality and policy-relevant research projects.
Through collaboration with World Bank DEC researchers and external academic partners from renowned universities, fellows will gain insights into current research standards, acquire new econometric skills, and establish connections with leading researchers in their field.
Key program features
- Professional Experience: Fellows will contribute to World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers, receiving training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies. Depending on project requirements, fellows may contribute to DEC’s published work, co-author research papers, participate in field missions, or engage directly with World Bank clients.
- Capacity Building: Fellows will undergo a one-week technical onboarding at the program’s commencement, which includes training on reproducible research practices. Throughout the program, fellows will partake in hands-on training sessions and seminars led by eminent economists to enhance their skills further. By collaborating with DEC economists, fellows will refine their ability to identify, analyze, and write about critical development policy issues.
- Research Dissemination: Fellows will be encouraged to write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC, providing an opportunity to showcase their contributions to development policy discourse. Each year, the top 4 blogs will be featured on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.
Benefits
- The RSMFP offers competitive compensation amounting to $46,500 net of income taxes for the 2023-24 cohort, per fellow for the 8-month fellowship duration (paid monthly). Since fellows will be based at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist selected candidates with their G4 visa application.
Note: The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the RSMFP, applicants must:
- Be nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference given to nationals of developing countries.
- Be proficient in English.
- Hold a master’s degree or be currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics or a related field.
- Be under 35 years of age (by June 30, 2024).
- Be willing to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the fellowship duration.
Selection process
- Fellowships will be awarded based on application materials, proficiency in relevant economic methods, and demonstrated skills in required statistical software. The formation of the cohort will prioritize geographical and gender representation.
Application Requirements
Applications for the 2024 cohort are open from February 1 to February 28, 2024. Applicants must submit:
- An updated CV.
- A statement of purpose detailing their research interests, professional objectives, and qualifications as development researchers.
- Contact details for a reference who can provide a letter of recommendation (letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates).
- A writing sample (optional). A code sample (optional).
Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 28, 2024
How to Apply
To apply, click here. You can also click here for more information.
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