WBG Pioneer - Research & Knowledge Management Intern

WBG Pioneer - Research & Knowledge Management Intern

Job #: req37645 Organization: World Bank Grade: T4 (No-fee) Location: Beijing,China Hiring Manager: Cristian Aedo

Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC)

Description

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 World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It comprises five closely associated institutions united by a shared mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. Through financial resources, global expertise, and strategic partnerships, the WBG helps countries build human capital, strengthen systems, and address complex global development challenges.
The World Bank Group Education & Skills Global Practice is supporting China through a two-year Programmatic Advisory Services and Analytics (PASA) activity, “China: Skills for Future Jobs” (P518680). The activity responds to the twin pressures of technological change and demographic transformation reshaping China’s labor market, and aims to (i) generate actionable evidence and policy guidance to reduce regional inequities in Chinese higher education, particularly between institutions in developed and less-developed regions, and to strengthen the alignment between skills development and labor market needs; and (ii) disseminate China’s experience in AI-integrated higher education reform and industry-TVET integration to client countries facing similar digital and technical skills gaps, including through South-South knowledge exchange with countries such as Mongolia, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, and the Kyrgyz Republic.
The activity is organized around two pillars: an “Inbound” pillar focused on strengthening skills development models within China, including deep-dive case studies of successful institutional models across elite and non-elite academic institutions, and stakeholder consultations with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE), and provincial education bureaus; and an “Outbound” pillar focused on documenting, curating and translating China’s reform experience with partner countries. Key deliverables include a needs assessment and stakeholder consultation, knowledge products, dissemination workshops, co-hosting international conferences, and a policy and operationalization note on adapting skills development models for higher education institutions in less-developed regions of China.
The WBG Pioneers Research and Knowledge Management Intern will be based in the Beijing office and will support the Bank’s core team — led by the Team Leader together with the Task Team, including staff from HEAED — in carrying out the research, analytical, and knowledge management activities that underpin this program.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Support the design and implementation of the deep-dive case studies on institutional models for higher education and skills development, including literature review, data collection, and synthesis of findings across elite and non-elite institutions in China.
• Conduct background research and desk reviews on China’s higher education reform, TVET-labor market alignment, and AI-integrated education models to inform policy notes and knowledge dissemination.
• Assist in preparing briefing materials, presentations, and summaries for consultations with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE), provincial bureaus, and other institutional stakeholders.
• Help organize and document knowledge exchange activities and dissemination events (e.g., Brown Bag Lunches, workshops, conferences), including logistics support, note-taking, and drafting of summary reports.
• Support the drafting, editing, and formatting of case studies as well as policy and operationalization note and other knowledge products, ensuring consistency with World Bank standards and quality guidelines.
• Assist with data organization, basic analysis, and maintenance of a repository of research materials, case study evidence, and stakeholder inputs for the team’s use throughout the activity.
• Contribute to translation or bilingual (English-Chinese) support for research materials, correspondence, and dissemination products, as needed.
• Perform other research and knowledge management tasks as assigned by the supervisor in support of the activity’s deliverables and timeline.

Selection Criteria

As this is a no-fee internship, candidates must meet one of the following conditions: (i) be enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or equivalent postgraduate program (or in the final year or higher of a continuous undergraduate program in a country where higher education does not follow the standard system) and require the internship for academic credit, supported by an official letter from the university; or (ii) receive a stipend from their home university or sponsoring institution that is at least equivalent to the minimum World Bank STT T1 fee level.
• Candidates must provide the required supporting documentation (e.g., university letter confirming academic credit requirement, or proof of stipend) at the time of application, to be attached to the appointment request.
• Preferred academic background in education, development economics, international development, sociology, or other social sciences subjects.
• Strong Preference for prior experience working with international development agencies/organizations and experience organizing or supporting international conferences and knowledge events.
• Candidates must have 0–6 years of relevant professional experience
• Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description
• Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
• Proficiency in English required; fluency in Mandarin Chinese (written and spoken) is strongly preferred given the Beijing duty station and the need to liaise with Chinese government and academic counterparts. ing duty station and the need to liaise with Chinese government and academic counterparts.

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.