World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship Program 2026 For Government Officials (Fully Funded To Washington DC, United States) -

About the World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship Program

Applications are officially open for the World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship Program 2026, an innovative and fully funded initiative that brings together government officials, academics, and policy experts to transform how governments use data for decision-making. This prestigious fellowship, hosted in Washington, D.C., equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to harness the vast amounts of public sector data and translate them into actionable policies for more effective governance.

The program is a pioneering collaboration between the World Bank Development Economics Vice-Presidency (DEC), the Development Impact Group (DECDI), the Institutions Global Department, the Institute for Economic Development, and University College London (UCL). With its unique combination of academic insight and hands-on application, this fellowship empowers government officials to become leaders in government analytics and data-driven reform.

The fellowship is built around the insights from the Government Analytics Handbook, providing participants with frontier evidence, practical case studies, and expert mentoring to strengthen governance and service delivery. The program combines in-person training in Washington, D.C., with continuous in-service project development, ensuring that fellows not only learn but also apply innovative practices to real-world challenges within their organizations.

Over a 6-month period, fellows will engage in rigorous training, peer exchange, and project implementation. The highlight of the program is a 2-week residency in Washington, D.C., where participants will attend the Public Institutions Conference and an intensive Government Analytics course, facilitated by leading experts from the World Bank and UCL.

Eligible Fields

This fellowship is designed for government officials working in areas where data analytics can play a transformative role, including but not limited to:

Public finance and budgeting
Public health administration
Education systems management
Infrastructure and urban planning
Social protection and welfare programs
Public sector reform and governance innovation

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Must be working in a central government organization (including government agencies).
Must hold a mid-level management or senior analyst role, or an equivalent position with the authority to design and implement a government analytics project.
Must demonstrate previous academic or professional experience in statistics, economics, or quantitative methods.
Must be proficient in English, both written and spoken.
Must be nominated by their organizations, with up to two fellows per organization allowed.
Must be able to travel to Washington, D.C. for the in-person training sessions.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

The applicant’s demonstrated commitment to data-driven governance.
Relevance and potential impact of the proposed government analytics project.
Academic and professional background, particularly in quantitative analysis and policy implementation.
Strength of the endorsement letter provided by the applicant’s organization.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries; however, applicants from ODA-eligible countries will receive additional financial support covering travel, accommodation, and subsistence during the Washington D.C. training.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than three pages, highlighting relevant professional and academic experience.
A 150-word summary explaining how the applicant plans to apply insights from the fellowship to enhance their government organization’s performance.
An endorsement letter from the applicant’s organization, confirming their nomination and official support for the proposed project.

Benefits of the World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship

Selected fellows will receive full funding and extensive professional development opportunities, including:

Participation in a 6-month fellowship program, combining training and project implementation.
Two weeks of in-person training in Washington, D.C., including attendance at the Public Institutions Conference and specialized Government Analytics course.
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs fully covered for applicants from ODA-eligible countries.
Direct mentorship and guidance from senior experts at the World Bank and UCL.
Opportunity to develop and implement a government analytics project within the fellow’s home institution.
Access to an exclusive global network of data experts, government officials, and academics dedicated to advancing evidence-based governance.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete their applications by September 28, 2025. To apply, candidates should:

Prepare and submit their CV (max. 3 pages).
Write a 150-word project summary outlining how government analytics can improve their organization’s efficiency.
Obtain an endorsement letter from their organization confirming their nomination.
Send all application materials via email to: governmentanalytics@worldbank.org.