What is the IsDB Young Professionals Program (YPP)?
The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is an entry level talent development program that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and network for a fulfilling career in international development.
Our diversity is focused on ensuring a space for all cultures.
Key features of the program include:
24-months professional
experience
Job rotation at IsDB HQ
& Regional Hubs
Guaranteed employment
upon graduation
What is different about IsDB YPP?
You’ll be part of a global network of IsDB professionals dedicated to serving Member Countries and humanity.
Within your first months at the Bank, you’ll be involved in real development projects, driving innovation, establishing partnerships, and leveraging Islamic Finance instruments to deliver value to our stakeholders.
When you join the IsDB YPP program, you’ll be joining a unique career development experience that will stretch you to fulfil the IsDB mission of empowering people for a sustainable future.
More importantly, you’ll witness the impact of your work on the ground whilst growing personally and professionally with other like-minded professionals.
What are the benefits of joining IsDB YPP?
How will IsDB support my Career Growth?
IsDB is committed to developing YPs to their highest potential when they join the Bank.
The following are some of the YPP career development opportunities:
Professional Experience
Field Rotation
Missions
Training
Coaching and Mentoring
Eligibility Criteria
a) Minimum Requirements
Prospective candidates for the YPP must fulfil the following minimum requirements:
- Education: Must hold at least Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the Bank’s work, obtained from a highly reputed university. The Master’s degree (or the most recent academic qualification) must have been completed within four years prior to the application deadline (31 May 2025).
- Citizenship: Priority will be given to citizens of IsDB member countries.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Age: Must not be older than 32 years as of the application deadline (31 May 2025).
- Mobility: Be willing to live in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and undertake country assignments based on business needs (including rotation to an IsDB Regional Hub).
- Professional Experience: A maximum of five years of relevant post-bachelor's professional experience in one of IsDB's functional areas, acquired prior to the application deadline.
- Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to the mission of IsDB and its model of development.
b) Additional Considerations
In addition to the above minimum criteria, prospective candidates who have the following qualifications will be given priority:
- Achieved a Pass with Distinction or Merit or Honours (or equivalent) in their Master’s program. Candidates still pursuing their Master’s degree shall submit their latest transcripts that display outstanding academic standing.
- Recipient of IsDB Scholarship.
- Bilingual/Trilingual: Good command of Arabic and/or French.
- Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
- Possess or pursuing a Professional Certification or a PhD from a reputable institution in a relevant field.
c) Preferred Specializations
The Young Professional Program is dedicated to attracting and nurturing the brightest graduates across a wide range of specializations. While we welcome applications from individuals with diverse academic backgrounds including Economics, Finance and Engineering, we particularly encourage graduates from the following fields to apply, as they will receive preferential consideration during our rigorous selection process.
- Data Science/ Artificial Intelligence
- Climate Change
- Agriculture Economics/Engineering
- Islamic Finance
- Transportation
- Urban Planning
- International Development/ Development Evaluation
- Youth and Gender Studies
- Economics
- PPP, Investment & Fund Management
- Education
- Public Health Management
How’s life in Jeddah for a Young Professional?
Jeddah, often called “the Bride of the Red Sea,” is a vibrant historic and cultural hub serving as the gateway to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.
A dynamic, cosmopolitan city with numerous shopping districts, sophisticated restaurants. and beautiful beaches and corniche seaside, the city is always awake and never tedious or dull.
There’s something for everyone in Jeddah and with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision. Jeddah is positioned to become the next key hub in the region.
For young families, Jeddah provides a perfect setting to raise children, with high quality international schools. entertainment options, and an Islamic cultural environment.
How do I apply?
The YPP application is simple yet competitive. Throughout the application process, you’ll need to demonstrate a passion and commitment to development, have proven academic success, and a willingness to pursue a career at IsDB.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
FAQ’s
Jan/Feb
Application period
March:
Review of applications to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility criteria. Update of status to all candidates (candidates moving to the second round and those who are not moving forward)
April:
Technical review of second-round candidates, which takes a closer look into the application packages and determines which candidates will be selected for interviews and the assessment day. Status update to candidates (those invited to interviews and those who are not moving forward).
May/June:
Interviews/assessment days are scheduled at ISDB headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Decisions and offers are communicated.
Sept/Oct:
New YP cohort starts
The age limit will be extended by the length of the obligatory military service.
Those who have not been subjected to mandatory military service will be expected to fulfill the original eligibility criteria.
Yes, you do not need to have any working experience to apply for the YPP.
However, candidates with relevant professional experience or a Doctorate degree will have a higher chance of selection.