Paid ADB Young Professionals Program
- Organization: Asian Development Bank
- Type: Fellowship
- Location: Global
- Deadline: September 30, 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
The Asian Development Bank runs the Young Professionals Program as its entry-level route into a career in international development. You join as international staff at ADB headquarters in Manila on a fixed three-year appointment, spend 18 months in an operations or operations support department, then rotate into another part of the bank. Recruitment for the next cohort opened on 1 September 2026 and closes on 30 September 2026. **What you get:** - A three-year fixed-term appointment as ADB international staff at grade YP1, based at headquarters in Manila, with promotion to YP2 after the 12-month probation - A salary set against ADB's standards and comparator markets, paid in US dollars, plus retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave including parental leave, and life and other insurance - All reasonable relocation expenses covered, with housing, education and expatriate allowances where applicable - A mentor from ADB's experienced international staff, many of whom started as Young Professionals, and structured staff development - An 18-month initial placement followed by a rotational assignment aligned with your career interests and ADB's needs - A route into a permanent ADB position: Young Professionals move to a non-YP role through ADB's vacancy process, with a possible two-year extension if that takes longer than three years **What you'll do:** - Assist in developing ADB policy and strategy and support research and analysis on the development impact of ADB operations - Help develop, process and administer loans, grants and technical assistance projects - Take part in fact-finding missions, policy studies and project execution - Contribute to ADB's advocacy and knowledge-sharing work - Relocate to Manila, Philippines, and report to a Director or designated technical international staff **Key dates:** - Applications opened 1 September 2026 - Applications close 30 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Manila time - Shortlisted candidates take an online assessment and a recorded video interview - Panel interviews take place in the first quarter of 2027 (the programme page says December to February) **More information:** - Applications are submitted through the ADB Career and Employment System (ACES), which requires creating an account; the vacancy is reference number 260870 - Upload a CV and your most recent university transcript in the Attachments section of the application - Previous applicants may apply again if they still meet the eligibility requirements - A PhD is accepted in lieu of the three years of work experience - ADB states on its integrity advisories page that it never solicits money for employment at ADB; there is no application fee
