The World Bank is accepting applications for its Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP). The program matches aspiring development economics 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.

By working with World Bank DEC researchers and their external academic collaborators from top universities, fellows will learn current research standards, acquire new econometric skills, and network with leading researchers in their field. They will have a unique opportunity to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research and widen their perspective on potential development questions, and how their research can address challenges in the developing world.

Key Program Features

• Professional experience: Fellows will work on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers and will be offered training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and engage with the World Bank operations.
• Capacity building: Fellows will receive a one-week technical on boarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices. Throughout the program, fellows will participate in periodic continuing education trainings and events, to further build skills.
• Research dissemination: Fellows will be invited to write a blog based on their fellowship research with the DEC researchers. This is an opportunity to showcase research and contribution to development policy discussions.

Compensation & Benefits

• The RSMFP offers a competitive compensation, totaling $42,750 net of income taxes per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments).
• Since the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their ap­plication for G4 visa.
• Note: The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:

• Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
• Graduates of MA level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
• No more than 35 years of age (by June 30th of the year the fellowship starts);
• Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.

For more information, visit World Bank.