The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

The World Bank’s Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) pairs aspiring development economists from developing countries with World Bank research economists; providing the fellows with unique opportunities to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research in the Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).

Fellows will spend eight months (September to May each year) at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., working under the supervision of researchers from the World Bank’s Development Impact Evaluation (DIME); and Development Research Group departments on high-quality, policy-relevant research projects.

Benefits

Fellows will learn current research standards, gain new econometric skills, and; network with leading researchers in their field by working with World Bank DEC researchers; and their external academic collaborators from top universities.

They will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in rigorous policy-relevant research; and broaden their perspective on potential development issues and how their research can address challenges in the developing world.

Compensation

For an 8-month fellowship, the RSMFP offers a competitive stipend of $42,750 net of income taxes per fellow (paid in monthly instalments).

The World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their G4 visa application because the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

Note: The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.

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.

Depending on the nature of projects, they will have the opportunity to contribute to DEC’s published work; and potentially co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, and directly engage with our clients.

Capacity building

Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding 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. Through their work with DEC economists, fellows will enhance their ability to identify, study; and write about important development policy questions.

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. Each year, the top 4 blogs will be published on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.

Eligibility

To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:

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

Research programs

Applicants will have the option to select in the application whether they would like to be hosted by the Development Research Department; or the Impact Evaluation Department in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).

Selection process

Applications for the fellowship are open annually between March and April for cohorts starting in September of the same year. Applicants must submit a resume, a statement of research interests, contact details for a letter of recommendation, a writing sample (optional); and a code sample (optional). The statement of research interests should describe research interests and indicate the research programs of interest within DEC. Fellowships will be awarded based on application materials and demonstrated skills in required software. Cohort formation will seek to achieve geographical and gender representation.

Application Deadline: 30^th April

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