Job Description
WBG Pioneer - Public Financial Management (PFM) Intern
Job #:
req37693
Organization:
World Bank
Grade:
T4
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Hiring Manager:Serdar Yilmaz
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French, Spanish
Closing Date:
8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC)
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.
The Governance Global Practice – Public Financial Management (WKPGF) is seeking a highly motivated intern to support its Public Financial Management (PFM) work program from October 2026 to March 2027 at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The internship will provide hands-on experience supporting analytical, operational, and knowledge activities related to modern public financial management reforms. The intern will work under the overall guidance of Serdar Yilmaz, Practice Manager, and the day-to-day supervision of Margaux Lucrèce Lelong, Task Team Leader (TTL).
The internship will focus on cutting-edge PFM reforms, including spending reviews, green budgeting, performance budgeting, and medium-term budgeting frameworks (MTBF/MTEF). The intern will contribute to global knowledge products, country engagements, and analytical work supporting governments in strengthening fiscal sustainability, improving expenditure efficiency, and aligning budgets with strategic priorities. In addition to contributing to the PFM work program, the intern will have the opportunity to participate in seminars, technical discussions, learning events, and networking activities across the World Bank Group.
Roles and Responsibilities
The intern will contribute to the implementation of the Global PFM Program through a combination of analytical, research, and operational support activities, including:
- Conduct analytical research on international Public Financial Management practices and reforms.
- Support the preparation of global knowledge products on spending reviews, green budgeting, performance budgeting, and medium-term budgeting.
- Contribute to comparative research, literature reviews, benchmarking exercises, and data analysis.
- Assist in preparing technical notes, presentations, country briefs, and policy guidance.
- Support operational engagements and technical assistance provided to client countries.
- Contribute to organizing webinars, workshops, training events, and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Participate in internal meetings, technical discussions, and peer review processes.
- Assist with knowledge management activities, including maintaining databases, compiling country examples, and documenting good practices.
- Undertake additional assignments as requested by the TTL and Practice Manager.
Expected Deliverables
Indicative deliverables may include:
- Contributions to the development of the World Bank's analytical toolkit on Spending Reviews.
- Background research and case studies on Green Budgeting practices.
- Comparative analysis of Performance Budgeting and Medium-Term Budget Framework reforms across countries.
- Contributions to global guidance notes, policy briefs, presentations, and training materials.
- Country research supporting ongoing technical assistance and lending operations.
- Analytical summaries and literature reviews supporting the Global PFM Program.
- Inputs to workshops, webinars, and dissemination events.
Duration and Working Arrangements
- Internship period: October 2026 – March 2027.
- Location: World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C. (hybrid arrangements may be considered subject to team needs).
- Working hours: Up to 30 hours per week.
Selection Criteria
- Enrollment in a Master's or PhD program in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Public Finance, Political Science, International Development, or a related discipline.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English (knowledge of additional languages is an asset – French - Spanish).
- Strong interest in Public Financial Management reforms and fiscal policy.
- Knowledge of one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Spending Reviews
- Green Budgeting
- Performance Budgeting
- Medium-Term Budget Frameworks (MTBF/MTEF)
- Public Expenditure Management
- Fiscal Governance
- Excellent analytical, quantitative, and policy writing skills.
- Experience conducting research and synthesizing complex information into concise analytical products.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with statistical software or data visualization tools is an advantage.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for learning in a fast-paced international environment.
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.
