JPA Frequently Asked Questions

The JPA is a program for young graduates, offering them the opportunity to work and build their experience in international development, expand their network, and contribute solutions to global challenges at the world’s premier development institution.

WBG Term and Extended Term staff are not eligible, but Short-Term Consultants/Temps are eligible to apply for the JPA.

No, former WBG Extended Term Consultants/Temps are not eligible to apply for the JPA program.

ETT/ETCs are limited to a one-year appointment, extendable twice, for a life-time cap of three years. The JPA program is a three-year Extended Term contract, which equals the life-time maximum for ETT/ETC contracts.

For the 2024 cycle, applicants must be born on or after October 1, 1992.

JPAs join the World Bank on an ungraded Extended Term Consultant/Temporary (ETC/ETT) appointment for 3 years.

No. JPA contracts are not renewable, but former JPAs are eligible for Term appointments (directly after the JPA appointment) and Short-Term appointments (after a one year cool-off period).

JPAs cannot be appointed/reappointed to any appointment type (Term, Extended Term, Short Term) during their contract, except being selected for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (YPP).

Yes. If you get selected for the YPP, you can cancel your JPA contract and join the YPP.

Former JPAs do not need to complete their cool off period before being reappointed as Term staff. However, all former JPAs must cool off for one year before being reappointed as Short-Term Temporaries or Consultants.

No, nationals from all 189 World Bank member countries can apply for all JPA positions. All WBG positions grades GA to GE or equivalent are subject to local recruitment. These positions are usually not eligible for global mobility benefits.

No, applicants must have completed their Bachelor studies on their application date to be eligible.

For this year, please check JPA opportunities on the JPA website for sectors interested in hiring JPAs this year. Sectors include operations and corporate functions, in Washington DC and World Bank Country Offices around the world.

Yes, the minimum degree required is a bachelor’s degree. However, some positions may be more suitable for applicants with a master’s degree or PhD. Please read the selection criteria section in the job description for more details on each specific position.

Yes, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and no professional experience are eligible. However, some positions may be more suitable for applicants with some professional experience. Please read the selection criteria section in the job description for more details on each specific position.

For the 2024 JPA recruitment cycle, applications are open from July 17 through August 9, 2024. Longlisted candidates will go through Hirevue video assessments. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by hiring units in September 2024 for panel interviews. Selected candidates will join the World Bank in early November 2024.

Yes, all candidates will receive notifications as the recruitment process goes on.

Yes, candidates can apply for multiple positions.

No, candidates do not need to provide reference names or letters at the application stage, but hiring managers may request reference names later in the process, at the selection stage.

Yes. JPAs are encouraged to take full advantage of the learning and development opportunities offered by the World Bank. JPAs may enroll in classes through the World Bank’s learning portal, Open Learning Campus (OLC), world bank speakers’ forum and other development opportunities.

JPAs are not eligible for Global Mobility Support benefits, but hiring managers may provide cash allowance of up to US$5,000 to help with relocation costs. This is based on the hiring unit’s budget.

All JPAs are ungraded and paid the same fee, which is set at the average of minimum and midpoint of the GD grade of the salary scale for the hiring office. For 2024, this is approximately $70,000 NET for JPAs joining in Washington, DC. Country office salary scale applies to all positions in the country office.

JPA salary is set at the average of the minimum and midpoint of the GD salary scale for the hiring office. When the minimum of GD grade of the HQ or Country Office salary scale is adjusted on July 1^st annually, the fee for a JPA is automatically adjusted.

Yes, JPA appointments carry a comprehensive rewards package, including annual and parental leave, medical and life insurance, worker’s compensation, and other benefits.

JPA benefits are consistent with benefits for Extended Term appointments. Details can be found here:

• Summary of Benefits and Important Notes for HQ Staff
• Summary of Benefits and Important Notes for CO Staff

No, all positions require selected candidates to work in person at a World Bank office.

For the 2024 cycle, all selected candidates will join as a cohort in early November 2024, but some candidates’ start date may be deferred to up to the first Monday of January of the following year.

This depends on business needs. For the 2024 cycle, there are about 80 JPA positions.

Candidates need to upload a CV/Resume and a statement of interest/cover letter during their application.

Here are some differences: to be eligible for the YPP, candidates must have a master’s degree and at least 4 years of relevant professional experience. Candidates selected for the YPP join the WB on a 5-year term appointment, which includes 2 years of development curriculum.    

CV should be 1 to 2 pages, starting with concise summary, and include only the most important information on skills and achievement; cover letter should be 1 - 2 pages to introduce yourself, share motivation and explain why experience, skills, qualifications and achievement align with job requirements.

Recruiters cannot respond to all messages on LinkedIn due to the huge interest in the JPA program. We suggest writing an email to jpa@worldbankgroup.org to get the timeliest responses.