The restructured Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) is now open for applications. This paid fellowship matches aspiring development economics researchers from developing countries with World Bank research economists, creating unique opportunities for fellows to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).

Successful Fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. from September 2022 to May 2023. They will work under the supervision of researchers in the World Bank’s Development Impact Evaluation (DIME) and Development Research Group departments, engaging in high-quality and policy-relevant research projects.

During the attachment, Fellows will be trained on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and will engage with World Bank operations. Depending on the nature of projects, fellows may have the opportunity to contribute to DEC’s published work, co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, or directly engage with World Bank clients.

Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices. Throughout the program, fellows will participate in hands-on training and seminars by top economists, enhancing their ability to identify, study, and write about important development policy questions. They will also be invited to write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC, and will be afforded opportunities to showcase their research and contribute to development policy discussions.

To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be nationals of World Bank Group (WBG) member countries, fluent in English; either graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field; and no more than 35 years of age (by June 30th 2022). They must also be available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.

The period for submission of applications is between 7^th March and 4^th April, 2022. On submission of required documents, applicants will be asked to indicate which research programmes in the Development Research and Impact Evaluation departments best align with their research interests and will be asked to complete a short assessment of their development economics knowledge. n March 7 and April 4, 2022.

Applicants should be ready to upload their updated CV in PDF format, a statement of purpose (500 words or less) in PDF format, the contact of at least one academic reference, a writing sample (optional) of a sole-authored paper, brief or other written output that best reflects the applicant’s technical writing skills, and a code sample (optional): sole-authored script that best reflects the applicant’s statistical software skills.

Further guidance on the application process can be had by visiting the following website:  https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/brief/robert-s-mcnamara-fellowships-program

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