The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) of the World Bank pairs aspiring development economists from developing nations with World Bank research economists, providing fellows with rare opportunities to take part in rigorous research that is pertinent to policy at the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC). Fellows will be housed at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., for eight months (September to May each year), where they will conduct high-quality, policy-relevant research projects while working under the direction of researchers in the Development Impact Evaluation (DIME) and Development Research Group departments.
Fellows will learn about contemporary research practices, pick up new econometric skills, and connect with top researchers in their field through working with World Bank DEC researchers and their external academic collaborators from prestigious universities. Students will get a special chance to take part in rigorous research that is relevant to policy, broaden their view on potential development issues, and learn how their research might help solve problems in the developing world.
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.
Benefits of World Bank RSM Fellowships Program
- The RSMFP offers a competitive compensation, totaling $44,888 net of income taxes per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments).
- 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
- Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices.
- Fellows will be invited to write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC.
Documents Required for Application
- Resume
- Statement of research interests
- Contact details for a letter of recommendation (RSMFP team will contact the academic advisor for the letter)
- Writing sample in English (optional)
- Code samples (optional)
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