The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group’s Young Professional Program (YPP) aims at attracting the best and brightest from its member countries – both regional and non-regional.
Through the Young Professional Program, the Bank Group will ensure continuity both in the management of projects and the provision of policy advice to its regional member countries. Young Professionals have the opportunity to work across the continent and be at the forefront of exciting Bank initiatives that are helping to shape Africa’s future.
Overview
The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a highly competitive program targeting motivated, talented, young professionals under the age of thirty-two (32) committed to making a difference on the continent. Upon acceptance and entry, successful applicants will undergo a unique on-the-job training and development to prepare them for a rewarding career and future leadership roles within the Bank. Successful candidates must be committed to Africa’s development and demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievement, as well as effective team work and leadership potential.
The Bank seeks to hire approximately twenty (20) young professionals each year through the Young Professional Program. The program enables each professional to receive extensive exposure to and experience from various Bank departments and development programs through job rotation. Young professionals are expected to rotate through, at least, three (3) assignments over a 3-year period, which may include one assignment at an AfDB field office. Young professionals will also benefit from a coaching and mentoring arrangement as well as a wide range of relevant training opportunities. Upon successfully completing the program, young professionals will graduate into a professional level position.
YPP assignments span all departments and functions at the Bank. The following is a list of possible assignments previous YPP participants have completed:
- Project Implementation – hands on experience in designing, procuring and processing Bank projects;
- Financial Analysis – developing country lending strategies;
- Risk Management – providing advice on loan portfolio performance and managing currency, interest rates and liquidity risks;
- Asset Management – managing Bank Group assets in the treasury department;
- Negotiations – participating in consultations with regional member countries, other development organizations and Bank service providers;
- Capacity Building – conducting capacity building training courses in regional member countries;
- Legal Services – providing legal advice and drafting loan and grant agreements;
- Support – providing critical corporate functions from human resources management to communications and strategic planning
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a citizen of a Bank Group member country (regional and non-regional)
- Born on or after 1 November 1977 (32 years of age or younger when assuming duty in October 2010)
- A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, engineering, social sciences, international development, business administration, finance, banking or any discipline relevant to the Bank’s business
- Fluent in English and/or French with a good working knowledge of the other language
Selection Criteria
- Multi-disciplinary background and a minimum of two years relevant work experience
- Outstanding academic credentials
- Demonstrated commitment to African development (field experience on the continent and/or in other developing countries is an added advantage)
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English and/or French with a working knowledge of the other language (working knowledge of a third language that is relevant to the Bank’s operation is an advantage)
- Ability/motivation to work in a multi-cultural work environment
- Demonstrated high leadership potential
- Demonstrated strong analytical skills, dynamism, results-orientation, and problem-solving capability
Application Procedures
Interested applicants are requested to download and complete the Personal History Form (PHF) after due consideration of the programme description provided herewith and send it as well a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, showing date of birth and nationality, along with a cover letter
- by e-mail to recruitypp@afdb.org
- or to the following address:
AfDB Young Professional Programme
Staff Planning and Recruitment Division
Temporary Relocation Agency
African Development Bank
15 Avenue du Ghana
BP. 323-1002
Tunis-Belvedere,Tunisia
FAX: (216) 71 831 472
The deadline for receipt of applications is March 15th, 2010, midnight Tunisia time.
Applicants must be nationals of AfDB member countries. See complete list of member countries.
Testimonials
Juliana Almeida, Brazil, 2007 Young Professionals Programme
My work experience in the YPP has given me the chance to learn about various facets of development work and to apply the acquired experience in a more efficient way. It has given me a far richer view of the challenges and opportunities related to development as well as the unique role the Bank plays in this shared effort.
Omolade Dada, Nigeria, 2007 Young Professionals Programme
“Development” is a very complex undertaking, and experience continues to indicate that one must be simultaneously ambitious, realistic, and practical in order to effect real, lasting change. I have come to realize that seemingly minor contributions do make a difference, and ultimately, it is the collaborative effort of large and small-scale interventions that lead to sustainable development. The YPP affords you the opportunity to play an active role in implementing the Bank’s laudable agenda to develop Africa in both big and small ways.
Emanuele Santi, Italy, 2007 Young Professionals Programme
I would definitively apply, not only for what the program can offer, but also because it provides the opportunity to join an institution in a unique time of change and expansion, therefore allowing young staff like young professionals (YP) to bring about change and shape the future of the AfDB. There are few development institutions in the world which give you that same opportunity. Yet, I will not only encourage everyone to apply, but only those who are highly motivated to contribute to development, those who are willing to learn, open to change, those who can define themselves as self-starters and ready to take risks. These are key features of a successful YP, as well as a professional at the African Development Bank
Bocar Cisse, Mali, 2007 Young Professionals Programme
For those deciding whether to apply, I would advise them to join the programme if they want to enjoy flexibility, gain experience and participate in the challenge of the century which is to bring Africa out of poverty and on the path to development.
Christian Lim, France, 2007 Young Professionals Programme
Close interaction with governments of developing countries at all levels has helped me understand the tremendous demand for and value of soft support, under the form of knowledge production, technical assistance and capacity building.
Radhika Bharat, India, 2007 Young Professionals Programme
The Young Professional Programme means a unique opportunity to work in different aspects of development finance to get a first- hand view. It also means an infusion of new skills, thoughts and ideas into the organization and a chance to learn from intensive cross departmental interaction, both with YPs and other professionals. Come with an open mind. In an environment of transition and change, things can move quickly on several fronts. Be ready to adapt to a situation very different from what you expected and to stimulate change where needed. In some ways, the program becomes what you make of it.
