World Bank Robert McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) 2022/2023
Application for the World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) for 2022/2023 for Aspiring Development Economics Researchers from Developing Countries is in progress
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) is for researchers from poor countries, who aspire to lend their voices in rigorous policy-relevant research
See Apply For Green Agribusiness Fund (GAF) 2021 for Young Africans
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.
Benefits of the Program
The RSMFP offers 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.
See Apply For FG Grant Form 2022 Disbursed Via CBN & World Bank (N2M)
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.
Program Features
Professional experience:
Fellows will work on World Bank projects under the direct supervision of World Bank DEC researchers and will be offered training on cutting-edge research practices and technologies and engage with the World Bank operations.
Depending on the nature of projects, fellows may contribute to DEC’s published work, co-author with DEC researchers, join field missions, or directly engage with World Bank clients.
Capacity building:
Fellows will receive a one-week technical onboarding at the start of the program, including training on reproducible research practices.
During the program, fellows will participate in hands-on training and seminars by top economists, to further build skills.
Through their work with DEC economists, fellows will enhance their ability to identify, study, and write about important development policy questions.
See How to Apply for Kwara Ng-Cares Grant 2022 (50k-650k)
Research dissemination:
Fellows will be invited to write a blog based on their fellowship research within DEC.
This is an opportunity to showcase their research and contribution to development policy discussions.
Eligibility Requirements
No more than 35 years of age (by June 30, 2022);
Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.
Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries;
Fluent in English;
Graduates of master’s level studies or currently pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field;
Financing
The RSMFP was established in 1982 by a resolution of the Executive Directors to award fellowships to young researchers to study in the fields related to economic development. Funding for the program was initially provided by the Governments of Bangladesh, China, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, and former Yugoslavia.
This year, through a collaboration with the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), the Government of Japan is supporting a two-year pilot initiative providing financing for fellows from the pool of the recent graduates of the JJ/WBGSP to compete for a fellowship opportunity with RSMFP.
Selection Process
Applications for the fellowship are open annually between March and April for cohorts starting in September of the same year. Applicants must submit
An updated CV
A statement of purpose describing their research interests, professional objectives, and discussing their qualifications as development researchers
Contact details for a reference who can provide a letter of recommendation (letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates)
A writing sample (optional)
A code sample (optional)