WBG/ICSID Internship for Graduate Students

ICSID offers internship opportunities to highly motivated students enrolled in a graduate degree program. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the world’s leading institution devoted to the settlement of international investment disputes.  

The internship program provides students with an interest in international investment dispute settlement and international investment law with an in-depth understanding of ICSID's work, enhances their academic and career goals, and offers a chance to bring innovative ideas and research experience to advance ICSID's mission.  To this end, the Centre is looking for enthusiastic and energetic candidates who can work effectively in a team-based environment.

• Table of Content
• About World Bank
• WBG/ICSID Internship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of WBG/ICSID Internship Programme
• Requirements for WBG/ICSID Internship Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for WBG/ICSID Internship Programme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About World Bank

With 189 member countries, staff from more than 170 countries, and offices in over 130 locations, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries. Together, IBRD and IDA form the World Bank, which provides financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to governments of developing countries. IDA focuses on the world�s poorest countries, while IBRD assists middle-income and creditworthy poorer countries. While our five institutions have their own country m...... continue reading

WBG/ICSID Internship Programme

Aim and Benefits of WBG/ICSID Internship Programme

Up to six internships are offered every four months, for a minimum period of 12 weeks and a minimum of 10 hours of work per week.  The internship periods are September-December, January-April and May-August. The internships take place at the seat of the Centre in Washington, D.C. (unless restrictions apply due to COVID).

Interns will not be remunerated but will instead receive academic credit for their work upon successful completion of the internship or be sponsored by the university in which s/he is enrolled.

• The Work: Interns will be assigned to a case management team or the institutional team.  Under the supervision of experienced ICSID Counsel, they will assist in the administration of cases and with institutional projects. 
• Administration of cases: Case-related tasks may include drafting working papers, carrying out research, assisting with the drafting of case correspondence, making logistical arrangements for hearings, and attending hearings with permission from the parties and the tribunal. 
• Institutional Matters: Interns will also contribute with research on institutional matters under the supervision of the ICSID Secretary-General and Deputy Secretaries-General. 

Requirements for WBG/ICSID Internship Programme Qualification

• Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program. They must also be able to provide written confirmation stating that they will either: (i) obtain academic credit for at least one term/semester in a course of study; or (ii) will be provided with a stipend by their university for the duration of the internship.
• Candidates must further have or be able to obtain an F1 or G4 visa, or be U.S. citizens or residents (Green Card holders), and be able to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and living expenses in Washington, D.C. In addition, ICSID recommends that selected interns procure a medical insurance for the period of the internship.
• Finally, candidates must satisfy the requirements of their university for an internship (as these may vary, students are encouraged to seek confirmation from the university that they are eligible for a particular internship period prior to applying).

Interview date, Process and Venue for WBG/ICSID Internship Programme

Interns are selected on a competitive basis and must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A demonstrated interest and knowledge of investor-State dispute settlement and international investment law.
• Rising 3L, LLM or Ph.D. Student.
• Fluency in English and preferably in at least one of the other two official languages of ICSID (i.e., French and Spanish).
• Ability to conduct research on a range of issues in the fields of arbitration and investment law.
• Strong writing and legal drafting skills.

ICSID is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background.  Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

The deadlines for applications are:

• June 30 for the September-December Internship period (fall semester)
• October 15 for the January-April Internship period (spring semester); and
• February 15 for the May-August Internship period (summer semester). 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Individuals who meet all of the eligibility requirements and qualifications may apply by completing the internship application form and append their CVs. Applications should be sent by e-mail to [email protected].

Only complete applications will be accepted. Please read the following before submitting your application.

Any questions about the internship should be addressed to [email protected].

For more details, visit ICSID website