BRIEFDecember 11, 2024

World Bank Pakistan's Young Economists Immersion Program

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Context

The World Bank Office in Pakistan has launched its second online contest and is excited to invite aspiring young economists to compete for a two-month paid opportunity to work with the World Bank Economic Policy Team. The selected candidate will be engaged on the analysis, preparation and launch of the World Bank flagship report ‘Pakistan Development Update’ prior to its launch in October 2025. This will be an opportunity for aspiring economists to gain first-hand experience of how the World Bank works.

How to enter the contest?

  • Submit a two-minute video answering the following questions: 

             (a) What motivates you about working in the development sector?

             (b) In your view, what are the three game-changing reforms and innovative ideas that can change the course of development in Pakistan and how can you make a difference in implementing these?

Process

The World Bank will launch the contest through the World Bank Pakistan social media platforms including World Bank Pakistan X and World Bank Pakistan Facebook. The Economic Policy team will longlist applicants based on the academic or professional (if any) relevance of applicants (criteria defined below). In the second stage, 8 applicants will be shortlisted based on their video submission, and will undergo a brief virtual conversation with a panel of World Bank staff. The interview will be more of a conversation to assess relevance of academic and/or work background and originality of thoughts submitted through video. 

Selection Criteria

  • Academic background of Economics and/or Public Policy
  • Current graduate level student or a recent graduate of a graduate level program – Master's or PhD; up to 2yrs after graduation
  • Two-minute video
  • Interview of shortlisted applicants

Watch this space as well and the World Bank Pakistan Country Website, World Bank Pakistan X, and World Bank Pakistan Facebook Page for updates!

Why apply?

The winner will get a chance to work closely with the Economic Policy team at the World Bank Pakistan Office. This paid assignment over the course of two months will broadly involve support in the preparation and launch of the bi-annual flagship report ‘Pakistan Development Update’ and his/her work will be acknowledged in the report as well as through an experience certificate. 

World Bank Pakistan Young Economists' Immersion Program (Round 1)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Start Date: September 2025

Location: Selected candidate would be required to work from the World Bank Group office in Islamabad for a period of at least 6 weeks during the assignment. Domestic travel and lodging expenses will be met by the World Bank. 

Who can apply:

To be eligible for World Bank Pakistan Young Economists Immersion Program, candidates must be Pakistani nationals. They must also:  

  • Have academic background of Economics and/or Public Policy
  • Be a current graduate level student or a recent graduate of a graduate level program – Master's or PhD; up to 2yrs after graduation

FAQs for Contestants

Are the assignments paid?

Yes. Winning contestant will be paid on an hourly basis and the remuneration will depend on the number of hours worked. 

How many hours of work will be required per week?

For the duration of the program, a full-time commitment will be required, with a minimum of 35 and a maximum of 40 hours a week.

What does the Young Economists Immersion Program involve?

The candidates will get a chance to work closely with the macroeconomists at the World Bank and support in preparation of the bi-annual publication ‘Pakistan Development Update’. This will involve research assignments, supporting in data collection and update and report writing, preparing presentations, and assisting the team in launch and dissemination of the report.

Are there any possibilities for travel support for candidates outside the city or country?

Yes, the Bank will pay for travel expenses and accommodation for applicants outside Islamabad. Travel will include one return ticket (domestic travel only).  

What is the selection criteria?

Applicants should be Pakistani nationals, have an academic background in Economics and/or Public Policy, and either be a current graduate level student or a recent graduate of a graduate level program – Master's or PhD; up to 2yrs after graduation. They should be proficient in MS Office and familiar with basic qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as analytical writing. They should have demonstrated a minimum B+ or 3.5 average GPA in their most recent academic course.

Can the Immersion Program fulfill university-based internship requirement?

Please note that this is not an internship program. At the end of the assignment, the candidate will be given an experience certificate.

What does the application process look like?

All candidates will be required to submit proof of enrolment/completion of graduate program, and a short two-minute video answering the questions stated above.

Please fill this online form to enter the contest.

Please note that the submission form will become inactive on August 17, 2025, at 6.00pm, marking the close of applications for this period. Please be sure to submit your application in advance of this time.

I submitted my application. Now what?

Once the deadline passes, applications will be reviewed by the World Bank. Only short-listed candidates will then be contacted for interviews. Selections will be finalized by September 02, 2025.

Will I be notified if I am not selected?

We do not send out any notice if you have not been selected. Unfortunately, given the volume of applications, we will only be able to contact those shortlisted.

Timeline?

  • Deadline for applications: August 17, 2025.
  • Application review and decision: September 2025
  • Start date for work experience: September 2025


Questions or comments? Please email at economistcontest@gmail.com

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