World Bank Group MNA Fellows Program 2027: Fellowship Opportunities for Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti Nationals

Overview

The World Bank Group MNA Fellows Program is a professional development and recruitment initiative sponsored by the Middle East and North Africa Vice Presidency and the Human Resources Vice Presidency. The program aims to identify and prepare talented professionals from participating countries for potential placement at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, DC, or its country offices. It seeks to increase the representation of nationals from participating nations within the institution and build a talent pipeline for future opportunities, including the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program.

The initiative focuses on developing technical expertise in areas essential to economic growth, institutional development, financial management, environmental sustainability, and private sector investment. Participants work alongside experienced specialists on technical, analytical, advisory, or operational assignments. The program features structured professional development components, including mentoring, leadership development, quarterly workshops, ongoing check-ins, and participant evaluations.

Who can apply

The program is open to qualified professionals who are nationals of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Applicants should hold a master’s degree, possess relevant professional experience, have strong English-language skills, and demonstrate a commitment to international development. Candidates can explore positions specifically advertised under their respective country programs to find opportunities matching their educational backgrounds, technical expertise, and career objectives.

What you get

Fellows gain professional experience in an international development environment through assignments across technical and operational sectors. Depending on the selected position, possible duty locations include Washington, DC, Riyadh, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Vienna, or Paris. Participants also benefit from professional development features such as mentorship from experienced colleagues, leadership development opportunities, and quarterly learning workshops.

Requirements

Applicants must be nationals of Saudi Arabia or Kuwait and hold a master’s degree. Candidates are required to have relevant professional experience, strong English-language skills, and a commitment to international development. Because available positions cover multiple professional disciplines, applicants must review the terms of reference for each specific vacancy before applying.