World Bank and International Finance Corporation

The World Bank is composed of:

• the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD):
  provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries
• the International Development Association (IDA):
  provides loans (called “credits”) and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions. It provides support in areas such as primary education, basic health services, clean water and sanitation, agriculture, business climate improvements, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.

The International Finance Corporation is the largest global development institution that focuses exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.
It offers investment, advisory, and asset management services in over 100 countries to encourage private sector development in more than 100 countries. 

Switzerland and the World Bank Group

Switzerland has significantly supported the WBGWorld Bank Group since joining in 1992. Nevertheless, only around 0.3 % of staff members are Swiss nationals.

For this reason, the Swiss Government has an interest in attracting more Swiss nationals to work for the WBG. Learn about our services for Swiss nationals

Read more about Switzerland's cooperation with the WBG

Career opportunities

The WBWorld Bank and IFCInternational Finance Corporation seek candidates with diverse backgrounds, including economy, finance, trade, private sector development, IT and many cross-cutting solution areas, including:

• WB: gender, climate change/environment, jobs, public-private partnerships, fragility, conflict and violence
• IFC: agribusiness, energy, environment, social development, infrastructure

The World Bank is the place to be for development economists like me.

For experienced professionals

Professionals with at least 5 years of relevant experience are regularly sought for mid-career to senior level staff positions or consultancies.

For young professionals

The following programmes are an excellent way for young professionals or students to set foot into the WBG or build a network for future aspirations:

• Programmes for young professionals (YPPYoung Professionals Programme , Analyst Programme and Investment Analyst Programme)
• Talent programme "Swiss Youth at the World Bank" for Swiss graduates under 29 years old
• Internships

Application and selection process

To apply for a position at the WB or IFC, submit your application in their online application system: 

• Explore vacancies

The recruitment process may take up to a few months, depending on the number of applications. Blind applications are not accepted.

Employment conditions

The WBGWorld Bank Group 's remuneration policies seek to be competitive with the private sector. Here is an indicative overview of representative job titles in each category, and the approximate salary for each position at HQ in Washington.

Salaries are usually tax-exempt and staff further receive numerous benefits.

While WBWorld Bank staff predominantly work from headquarters, more than half of IFCInternational Finance Corporation staff positions are located in the field.

Career development

Whether you are based at headquarters or in the field, most internationally recruited positions are full-time with frequent travel. While travelling to project sites may bring along additional stress, it also allows you to gain field experience and see the fruits of your work.