Are you a recent graduate? Do you have passion for and commitment to helping others? Are you looking for a solid, two-year entry-level work experience in a multicultural environment? If so, you may be interested in the World Bank Group's newest employment program: the Junior Professional Associates or JPA.

In your JPA assignment, you'll use your strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, your knowledge of technology and the web, and your research abilities - working with more senior colleagues and project teams in their operational work. You'll have an opportunity to hone your skills and acquire new ones while gaining first-hand exposure to the challenges of development and poverty alleviation. Your experience under the JPA program can then be used as a stepping stone to a career in government, consulting, the private sector, or academia.

What are we looking for?

Your academic achievements are superior and place you in the top ten percent of your graduating class.

Your analytical and research skills extend to areas of specialization such as: economics, finance, human resources development (public health, education, nutrition, population), social sciences (anthropology, sociology), agriculture, environment, private sector development, as well as other related fields.

You are fluent in English and, preferably, in at least one other Bank language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, or Chinese). You're not afraid of technology and use it to maximize your work.

What are we offering you?

We will provide you with the opportunity to gain entry-level professional experience, on a two-year, non-renewable contract with benefits.

Upon "graduation" from the program, you will become a member of the Junior Professional Alumni Association, an international network of people around the world who share the JPA experience and a lasting interest in the World Bank Group and its mission.

Are you eligible?

You are no more than 28 years old, hold the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree (with some relevant experience), a Master's, or be a PhD candidate with a superior academic record. The World Bank Group welcomes applicants from all over the globe regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic background, and disability.

Since the program is highly competitive, applicants under active consideration for employment will be asked to submit academic records as well as references. The World Bank will contact only those applicants whom hiring managers wish to interview.

Positions may be located in any of the Bank's offices across the world.

The JPA Program is not an entry point for a career in the World Bank and employment beyond the initial two-year contract will be prohibited for a period of two years after the end of the contract. However, some alumni may rejoin the organization later in their careers after gaining experience elsewhere and becoming experts in their professional fields.

Recruitment and hiring for this program is ongoing throughout the year.

Thank you for your interest in this program. Apply now by selecting "Submit Your CV" and selecting "Junior Professional Associates Program (JPA)" from the drop-down menu under "In which employment program are your interested?" (Please take care to provide required information where indicated). Please note that applications will be kept active in our database for a period of six months. Should you be identified for an assignment, a Bank manager or someone from his/her office will contact you directly to discuss your interest and availability. Should you still be interested in the program after six months, you will need to re-apply.

Have a question? Please let us know at "jpaprogram@worldbank.org."