The World Bank Office in Pakistan has officially opened applications for the second round of its Young Economists Immersion Program, inviting bright and motivated Pakistani graduate students and recent graduates in Economics and Public Policy to participate in a paid, two-month opportunity with its Economic Policy Team. The selected candidate will actively contribute to the development and launch of the Pakistan Development Update (PDU), the Bank’s flagship bi-annual economic report, expected in October 2025.
This initiative is aimed at providing a practical platform for emerging economists to engage with the realities of economic policy formulation and implementation at a global development institution. The selected participant will be embedded with the World Bank team in Islamabad, working full-time, with domestic travel and accommodation covered if they reside outside the city. This hands-on assignment will include research, data analysis, report preparation, and presentation support—ultimately offering a unique lens into macroeconomic policymaking in Pakistan.
Participation begins with a simple application process. Candidates must fill out a short academic background questionnaire and submit a two-minute video answering two key questions: what drives them to work in development, and what three innovative reforms they believe can transform Pakistan’s development future, including how they could personally contribute.
The World Bank will publicize the contest through its official social media platforms, including World Bank Pakistan X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, to ensure wide visibility. From the initial pool of applicants, a longlist will be created based on academic and professional qualifications. Eight finalists will then be shortlisted based on the originality and substance of their video submissions. These candidates will proceed to a virtual conversation with World Bank staff, where their background, thought leadership, and policy insights will be assessed.
Eligible applicants must be Pakistani nationals currently enrolled in or having recently completed a graduate-level (Master’s or PhD) program in Economics or Public Policy, within the past two years. Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic track record—equivalent to a GPA of at least 3.5 or a B+ average—and proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic qualitative and quantitative research tools.
This is not a generic internship. Instead, it is a fully paid, full-time work assignment where the selected economist will be officially acknowledged in the published Pakistan Development Update and receive a formal experience certificate from the World Bank upon completion. The program is designed to fulfill high-impact professional learning objectives, and may also satisfy university internship credit requirements, depending on the institution.
The application window closes at 6:00 PM on August 17, 2025, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further steps. Final selections will be confirmed by September 2, 2025, with the assignment commencing later that month.
The World Bank’s Young Economists Immersion Program represents a rare opportunity for passionate, policy-driven individuals to experience what it means to work at the intersection of data, governance, and development outcomes. By opening its doors to fresh talent, the World Bank continues to foster a generation of thinkers and practitioners who can help shape a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for Pakistan