UNESCO Chair Co-hosted an International Seminar on “Building a Career at the World Bank: Pathways, Skills, and Personal Insights”

On October 5, 2026, the International Seminar on Global Governance for Human Security was held under the theme “Building a Career at the World Bank: Pathways, Skills, and Personal Insights.” The seminar was co-organized by the Kobe University UNESCO Chair, the Global Research Center for Education Policy and Planning (GEPP), the Global Network Program, and the CAMPUS Asia Plus Program. It was conducted in a hybrid format in the Main Conference Room of the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University, and via Zoom.

The seminar featured Dr. Roberta Malee Bassett, Global Lead for Tertiary Education and Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank. She began by outlining the World Bank Group’s role in poverty reduction and development assistance, along with the range of employment opportunities across its institutions. She then introduced the main pathways to a career at the World Bank Group, including the Young Professionals Program (YPP), the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program, internships, consultancies, fixed-term positions, and fellowships. Explaining the qualifications, experience, and nature of work associated with each pathway, she emphasized the importance of considering opportunities that match one’s expertise and career stage.

Dr. Bassett then discussed the competencies valued in recruitment and offered practical advice on application materials and interview preparation. She highlighted the importance of subject-matter expertise, quantitative analysis and data skills, an understanding of the development project cycle from preparation through implementation and evaluation, and the ability to collaborate in multicultural settings. She also stressed that CVs and cover letters should demonstrate concrete achievements and communicate applicants’ strengths in relation to the responsibilities and priorities of the position. For interviews, she encouraged applicants to prepare specific examples that clearly describe the situations and challenges they faced, the actions they took, and the results they achieved. Drawing on her own career, Dr. Bassett also highlighted the importance of establishing expertise before broadening professional experience, gaining field experience in developing countries, and pursuing opportunities for growth through relationships with mentors.

A total of 73 participants attended the seminar, with 37 attending in person and 36 joining online. The seminar provided a valuable opportunity for participants to explore career pathways at the World Bank Group and deepen their understanding of the competencies needed in international development and the steps they can take to prepare while still studying.