More than 10 graduates will be selected for the programme’s first cohort, with each working under a manager on real-world projects.
Emirati graduates can now apply for two-year placements with the World Bank Group, gaining the opportunity to work from its offices around the world on live development projects. Applications opened on June 26 and will close on July 15.
The placements are part of the World Bank Group Explorers Programme, which the UAE joined earlier this year. More than 10 graduates will be selected for the first cohort, with each receiving a two-year contract at a World Bank country office and working under the guidance of a manager on real projects.
The partnership was announced in April on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington.
Radi Anguelova, the World Bank Group’s Vice President of Human Resources, said the partnership with the UAE reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of development professionals.
“Talented young professionals will gain hands-on experience, contribute to real-world challenges, and build the skills needed to create impact across sectors and regions,” she said in a statement announcing the agreement.
The programme is open exclusively to nationals of donor countries, with the UAE participating alongside countries such as Japan. Placements are funded through a donor-supported trust fund, enabling the UAE to support opportunities for its graduates within an institution that plays a key role in global development financing.
The available roles span more than a dozen countries and cover a wide range of fields. Positions include economic policy in Amman, digital development in Belgrade, water projects in Brasília, agriculture in Bogotá and an artificial intelligence role in Buenos Aires. Other opportunities focus on investment, land and geospatial work, and environmental and social initiatives across countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Romania and Chile.
Applicants can indicate their areas of interest and will be matched with roles based on the programme’s requirements.
The initiative is supported under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs. It is backed by the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs, the UAE Aid Agency, ADGM Academy and the Mawaheb Talent Hub, part of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement.
Requirements and how to apply
Applicants must be UAE nationals, hold a bachelor’s degree, be fluent in English and be willing to relocate.
The World Bank also requires strong analytical and writing abilities, along with the capacity to work effectively within deadlines. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews, followed by a one-week orientation programme in September before travelling to their assigned locations.
Applications for the UAE cohort are open until July 15 through the World Bank Group careers website.
