The World Bank Robert S. McNamara International Fellowship is for Doctoral students to study at a World Bank country, in development related fields. The application deadline is 4th April 2022. This scholarship is applicable to the following subject areas: Economics, health, education, agriculture, environment, natural resource management, or other development related subject.
About The World Bank Robert S. McNamara International Fellowship
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.
Eligibility Criteria For World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship
To be considered for the RSMFP, applicants must be:
- Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
- Graduates of MA level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
- No more than 35 years of age (by June 30th of the year the fellowship starts);
- Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.
Selection Criteria
The RSMFP uses the following process to review completed applications, with the aim to identify eligible candidates with the most innovative and relevant research proposals in the area of development.
Two qualified reviewers independently review each eligible application to assess the following:
- Quality of the proposed fellowship (70%)
- Prospects for a productive career in research post-PhD (30%)
Value of World Bank Robert S. McNamara Award
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.
How to Apply
Applications for the RSMFP cohort are open annually from March 1 – April 30. Eligible applicants must submit the following:
- Resume
- Statement of research interests
- Contact details for a letter of recommendation (RSMFP team will contact the academic advisor for the letter)
- Writing sample in English (optional)
- Code samples (optional)
For more information on the fellowship, visit the fellowship webpage.
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