The World Bank Group has opened applications for its Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2027, offering an important opportunity for early career lawyers to join the Legal Vice Presidency (LEG) of the World Bank Group.
The programme is designed for highly talented professionals who are interested in global development and want to build careers at the intersection of law, finance, public policy and international development. Applications for the 2027 cohort are open from September 1 to September 30, 2026. (World Bank)
Opportunity with the Legal Vice Presidency
The Legal Vice Presidency provides legal advice across the World Bank Group and supports the institution on operational, financial, policy, corporate, administrative and institutional matters. LEG also works on a wide range of legal and development issues involving member countries and international institutions. (World Bank)
For lawyers interested in international law, commercial transactions, development finance and public policy, the YPP provides an opportunity to work on complex legal matters that have a direct connection with development projects around the world.
The Legal Vice Presidency’s work covers areas including World Bank financing and technical assistance, corporate and development finance, environmental and social risk management, climate and international law, governance, litigation, procurement, sanctions, institutional matters and legal policy. (World Bank)
Eligibility
Candidates applying through the Legal Vice Presidency should have a graduate level law degree or equivalent qualification and meet the YPP’s professional experience requirements.
The programme requires 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience. Candidates must also be nationals of a World Bank Group member country and demonstrate an excellent command of written and spoken English. (World Bank)
For the Legal Vice Presidency opening, applicants with an LLM, J.D. or equivalent degree and admission to the bar in at least one jurisdiction are particularly relevant. Experience in international, commercial or transactional law is valuable, while experience with a reputable law firm, particularly an international firm, can strengthen a candidate’s profile.
Strong legal research, drafting and analytical skills are also important for the role.
What Makes the Young Professionals Program Different?
The World Bank Group describes the YPP as its flagship leadership development programme for talented professionals passionate about global development. Selected professionals receive opportunities to develop technical expertise, gain international experience and contribute to projects addressing major development challenges. (World Bank)
The programme begins with a two-year appointment. Subject to successful completion and performance, participants can subsequently move into a role under a further five-year contract.
Participants also undertake three mandatory eight-month rotations. These include a rotation within their primary area of expertise, a cross-institutional rotation and at least one rotation based in a country office. (World Bank)
This structure allows young professionals to gain exposure to different parts of the World Bank Group while developing both specialist and leadership skills.
A Career at the Intersection of Law and Development
For lawyers, the opportunity is particularly significant because the Legal Vice Presidency works on legal questions arising from some of the world’s most complex development and financing challenges.
The World Bank’s legal teams advise on the design and implementation of operations, draft and negotiate legal agreements, support financing transactions and provide advice on legal and policy issues affecting projects and programmes. (World Bank)
The Legal Vice Presidency also works on emerging areas such as climate law, carbon markets, environmental and natural resources law, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and rule of law. (World Bank)
This makes the programme relevant not only to traditional international lawyers but also to professionals with backgrounds in commercial law, project finance, public international law, development law, environmental law and regulatory practice.
Selection Process
The YPP selection process is highly competitive. According to the World Bank Group, applications are reviewed after the September application window closes, with the longlisting stage taking place in October.
Shortlisted candidates may proceed through virtual interviews, leadership and technical assessments, followed by panel interviews and case studies. Final selection notifications are expected in late January or early February 2027. The new cohort is scheduled to begin in Washington, DC, in September 2027. (World Bank)
Applicants should therefore ensure that their CV and application materials clearly demonstrate both their legal expertise and their interest in international development.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program 2027 is:
September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC
The World Bank Group states that late applications will not be accepted. (World Bank)
The position is based in Washington, DC, with the wider YPP structure providing opportunities for rotations across World Bank Group offices.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the official World Bank Group recruitment portal.
Apply for the World Bank Group YPP – Legal Vice Presidency
Candidates should also review the official YPP eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their application.
World Bank Group Young Professionals Program – Official Page
For law graduates and early career lawyers seeking an international career in law, finance and development, the World Bank Group YPP represents a highly competitive opportunity to work on legal issues with global development impact.
