Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program. The World Bank’s Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) pairs aspiring development economics researchers from developing countries with World Bank research economists. This initiative creates unique opportunities for fellows to engage in rigorous, policy-relevant research in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC). Selected fellows will spend 8 months (September to May each year) at the World Bank’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. During this period, they will work under the guidance of researchers in the World Bank’s Development Impact (DIME) and Development Research Group departments, participating in high-quality and policy-relevant research projects.
Working alongside World Bank DEC researchers and collaborating with external academic partners from leading universities, fellows will familiarize themselves with current research standards, acquire new econometric skills, and establish connections with prominent researchers in their field. This program offers a unique chance for fellows to contribute to rigorous, policy-relevant research and broaden their perspectives on potential development questions, enabling them to address challenges in the developing world.
Program Highlights:
- Professional Experience: Fellows will actively contribute to World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers. They will undergo training in cutting-edge research practices and technologies, engaging with World Bank operations. Depending on the project’s nature, fellows may contribute to DEC’s published work, collaborate with DEC researchers, join field missions, or interact directly with World Bank clients.
- Capacity Building: Fellows will undergo a one-week technical onboarding at the program’s commencement, including training on reproducible research practices. Throughout the program, they will participate in hands-on training sessions and seminars conducted by leading economists, further enhancing their skills. Working alongside DEC economists, fellows will enhance their capacity to recognize, analyze, and articulate essential development policy inquiries..
- Research Dissemination: Fellows will be encouraged to write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC. This offers an opportunity to showcase their research contributions to development policy discussions. Each year, the top four blogs will be featured on DEC’s Let’s Talk Development blog.
Compensation & Benefits
The RSMFP provides a competitive compensation package, amounting to $46,500 net of income taxes for the 2023–24 cohorts per fellow during the 8-month fellowship (dispensed in monthly installments). As fellows will be stationed at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist selected candidates with their G4 visa applications.
Please be aware that the fellowship does not include coverage for travel expenses.
Funding
Established in 1982 by a resolution of the Executive Directors, the RSMFP grants fellowships to young researchers studying fields related to economic development. The program received its initial funding from the Governments of Bangladesh, China, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, and the former Yugoslavia.
For general inquiries, reach out to rsm_fellowships@worldbank.org
For More Information:
Application Deadline: February 28th, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET
