The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) matches aspiring development economics researchers from developing countries with World Bank research economists, creating unique opportunities for the fellows to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC). Fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. for 8 months (September to May each year) and 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.

By working with World Bank DEC researchers and their external academic collaborators from top universities, fellows will learn current research standards, acquire new econometric skills, and network with leading researchers in their field. They will have a unique opportunity to participate in rigorous policy-relevant research and widen their perspective on potential development questions, and how their research can address challenges in the developing world.

Key Program Features

• Professional experience
• Capacity building
• Research dissemination

Compensation & Benefits

The RSMFP offers a competitive compensation, totaling $42,750 net of income taxes per fellow for an 8-month fellowship (paid in monthly installments). Since the fellows will be hosted at the World Bank in Washington D.C., the World Bank’s HR Operations unit will assist the selected candidates with their ap­plication for G4 visa. Note: The fellowship does not cover travel expenses.

To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:

1. Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
2. Fluent in English;
3. Graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
4. No more than 35 years of age (by June 30 2022);
5. Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.

Research programs

Applicants will have the option to select in the application whether they would like to be hosted by the Development research department or the Impact evaluation department in the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC).

• graduate

• Permanent Resident
• International or Other Visa Status
• Undocumented

Selection process

Applications for the fellowship are open annually between March and April for cohorts starting in September of the same year. Applicants must submit

• An updated CV
• A statement of purpose describing their research interests, professional objectives, and discussing their qualifications as development researchers
• Contact details for a reference who can provide a letter of recommendation (letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates)
• A writing sample (optional)
• A code sample (optional)

Fellowships will be awarded based on application materials, knowledge of relevant economic methods, and demonstrated skills in required statistical software. Cohort formation will seek to achieve geographical and gender representation.

FAQs: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/brief/robert-s-mcnamara-fellowships-program#4 

Fellows are expected to deliver to the World Bank Scholarships Program: (i) one mid-point progress report that is endorsed and signed by his/her advisor; and (ii) at the end of the fellowship a 150 word abstract and a final report containing the results of the research that is endorsed and signed by his/her research advisor from the host institution.