Brief Information
The World Bank’s Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) 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 (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.
The RSMFP provides a competitive compensation of $46,500, net of income taxes, for the 2023-24 cohort, distributed monthly throughout the 8-month fellowship. As fellows will be based at the World Bank in Washington D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will support selected candidates in their G4 visa application. It’s important to note that the fellowship does not include coverage for travel expenses.
Applications for the 2024 cohort are open from February 1 to February 28, 2024.
To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:
- Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
- Fluent in English;
- Graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
- No more than 35 years of age (by June 30 2024);
- Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.