Description
WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.
WBG Pioneer
The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency offers highly-motivated law students an opportunity to be exposed to the mission and work of the World Bank and that of the Legal Vice Presidency. The World Bank Legal Internship Program allows individuals to bring new perspectives, innovative ideas, and latest research experiences into the World Bank’s daily operations and improve their legal skills while working in a multicultural environment.
The objective of the program is to provide interns first-hand experiences of the day-to-day operations of the World Bank by closely collaborating with staff in the Legal Vice Presidency. As part of our team, interns will be working directly with outstanding and inspiring development professionals and senior management affording opportunities to contribute to the legal services offered by the Legal Vice Presidency as well as participate in high-profile events and conferences organized during their internship.
The World Bank Legal Internship Program is offered at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and in certain selected country offices for currently enrolled law school students.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conducting a variety of legal assignments under the direction of the Chief Counsel, Senior Counsels or supervising lawyer(s) assigned;
- Conducting research on assigned issues using existing legal files and alternative sources (e.g., the internet, intranet, or other databases), analyzing information, and summarizing findings;
Conducting comparative legal analyses on a range of issues in a given area, identifying legal and policy issues, researching relevant precedents, and proposing appropriate solutions;
- Reviewing contracts and legal documents to ensure they conform to the Bank’s guidelines and procedures, and providing comments as required;
- Assisting in drafting standard legal agreements and amendments to legal agreements;
- Participating in task/project teams; and
- Performing ad hoc assignments as requested by the supervising lawyer(s) as may be assigned over the course of the internship.
- Legal interns should be able to receive academic credit for the internship from their university or third-party remuneration.
Selection Criteria
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in (1) the final year of an undergraduate program in law [BE1]or (2) a postgraduate (master’s/JD/PhD) program in law. Candidates must be enrolled through the final day of the internship
- Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description
Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
Proficiency in English; additional languages may be required depending on the role (preferred languages include French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic)
No-fee internships, students must be enrolled:
(i) in a Master or PhD or similar program during the entire internship, or
(ii) in the fifth year (or higher) at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree in a country where higher education is not divided into under-graduate and graduate stages.
No-Fee Internship Eligibility
This position is offered under the WBG Pioneers No-Fee Internship Track. Students may be offered a no-fee STT appointment provided that they either: (a) are enrolled in a Master's, PhD, or similar graduate program during the entire internship (or are in the fifth year or higher of a degree program in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages) and provide an official letter from their university confirming that the internship fulfills academic requirements for at least one term of study; or (b) are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies and receive a stipend from their university at least equivalent to the minimum STT T1 fee level in effect at the start of the assignment, as confirmed by an official university letter.
Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
