Job Description

WBG Pioneer - Trade Intern

Job #:
req37698
Organization:
World Bank
Grade:
T4
Location:
Washington, DC,United States Hiring Manager:Sebastien C. Dessus

Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
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.

• Reviewing relevant literature on data-driven and AI approaches to regulatory text analysis with a specific focus on non-tariff measures.
• Developing a template and set of good practices to guide country-level regulatory analysis in trade-related areas using data-driven and AI methods, leveraging domestic regulatory texts, as well as WTO notifications and TRAINS database as well as previous WBG operations.
• Contributing to the development of the unit's trade and trade-related regulatory data products.
• Supporting the preparation of analytical outputs, including data visualizations, background notes, and report sections.

Selection Criteria

• Currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, a postgraduate program (master's or PhD); PhD candidates preferred.
• Between 0 and 6 years of relevant professional experience.
• Academic background aligned with the requirements of this role.
• Demonstrated interest in international development and the World Bank Group's mission.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with trade data and familiarity with trade and trade-related policy databases, including tariff data and other measures affecting trade.
• Proven expertise in applying machine learning and other data-driven approaches to the organization and analysis of textual data, using Python or R.
• Solid understanding of AI model capabilities and limitations, including the ability to select the right tool for a given task and make informed choices between open-source and proprietary models based on performance, cost, and data sensitivity.
• Practical experience building AI-assisted workflows for regulatory text analysis, including configuring AI agents with the right context and instructions to produce reliable, verifiable, and reproducible outputs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is an asset depending on assignment location.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative, team-based environments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

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.