At international institutions, the word "international" does not always apply to the staff. Many organizations are trying to increase the diversity of its workforce. Take, for instance, programs offered by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank for young professionals.
Young professionals programs may be among the best places to launch a career in international development, as they offer budding aid workers with two or three years of experience under their belt the chance to help plan and manage projects.
At IDB, people from its member countries can participate in the Diversity Young Professional Program. The World Bank, meanwhile, offers a Junior Professional Program for Afro-Descendants.
Competition is as fierce as it is for traditional YPPs, which are also offered by the IDB, World Bank and others. Candidates need to have a master's degree and at least one (for IDB) or two (for the World Bank) years of experience in a field that is relevant to their work. Fluency in English and a working knowledge of another language is also required.
The programs are also similar. In fact, Afro-descendant participants will follow the exact same program as other young professionals, which involves 24-months contracts including salary and benefits, the chance to get assigned to a country office, and supervision by senior staff.
There is only one difference to the traditional YPPs. The IDB's diversity program is open to those below the age of 38; the World Bank accepts Afro-descendant 35 years and younger. For traditional YPPs, the age limit tends to be 32.
To the banks, this parallel access to prestigious and sought-after programs increases diversity and may just help to tackle poverty more efficiently.
"A greater representation of diverse groups at the Bank, including people of African descent and members of Indigenous Peoples, would enhance activities with governments and civil society," IDB argues on its Web site.
The World Bank site carries a similar statement: "To enhance its mission to reduce poverty, the Bank is committed to promoting diversity, to hiring the best candidates and fostering an inclusive environment that makes the most of their ideas and energies."
