WBG Pioneer - Economist Intern
Join the WBG Pioneers Internship and gain hands-on experience in global development.
Overview
Join the WBG Pioneers Internship and gain hands-on experience in global development.
You have:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program
- Candidates must have 0–6 years of relevant professional experience
- Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description
- Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission
- Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
- Data proficiency: ability to gather and synthetize data
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
- Proactive, ability to multitask, prioritize activities under pressure
- Proficiency in English; additional languages may be required depending on the role
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Job #: req37733 Organization: World Bank Grade: T4 Location: Abidjan,Cote d'Ivoire Hiring Manager:Cecilia M. Briceno-Garmendia Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC) Description
WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.
WBG Pioneer
The CIV CMU is composed of 4 countries, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea and Togo, of which 3, Benin, Guinea and Togo, are JCR countries. The CMU is responsible for shaping and implementing the country programs through the CPF, which is based on each government’s national development priorities.
The CMU leverages collaboration and partnerships by working in close collaboration with IFC and MIGA, but also development partners and stakeholders to identify strategic and operational opportunities to mobilize and capitalize technical and financial resources as well as knowledge.
The CIV CMU manages a large portfolio of close to US$ 10.8 billion, including national and regional operations, which has been growing steadily over the last five years. The CMU oversees the implementation of the portfolio through close engagement with the government, and regular portfolio performance reviews prepared and organized jointly with the counterpart
The CMU provides day-to-day operational support to project teams and sectoral units, by tracking project’s implementation pace and monitoring risks and performance, but also leveraging high level dialogue when needed to ensure that projects are implemented smoothly and provided expected results while reducing risks
Duties and Responsibilities
• Work on growth and job reports for Togo and Benin. • Assist in the implementation of the National Development Plan of Cote d’Ivoire. • Any other tasks
Selection Criteria
• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program
• Candidates must have 0–6 years of relevant professional experience
• Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description
• Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
• Data proficiency: ability to gather and synthetize data
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines proactive, ability to multitask, prioritize activities under pressure.
• Proficiency in English; additional languages may be required depending on the role
Preferred area(s) or field(s) of study for the candidates:
• Economics,
• Project management,
• business studies, or any relevant field of study.
Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.
WBG Culture Attributes: 1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a situation where you demonstrated strong analytical skills. | This question assesses your ability to apply analytical thinking to real-world problems. | Provide a specific example where your analytical skills led to a positive outcome. |
| How have you worked in diverse teams before? | This question evaluates your experience and comfort with teamwork in a multicultural environment. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you managed multiple deadlines? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What interests you about working for the World Bank Group? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to solve a complex problem. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach gathering and synthesizing data? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain a situation where you took initiative in a team setting. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle feedback or criticism from peers or supervisors? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |