WBG Pioneer - Research & Knowledge Management Intern

The WBG Pioneers Research and Knowledge Management Intern will support the World Bank's Education & Skills Global Practice team in Beijing by assisting with research, analytical, and knowledge management activities related to higher education and skills development in China. The intern will contribute to case studies, policy notes, knowledge dissemination, and event organization to support the program's objectives.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of deep-dive case studies on institutional models for higher education and skills development, including literature review, data collection, and synthesis of findings.
• Conduct background research and desk reviews on China’s higher education reform, TVET-labor market alignment, and AI-integrated education models to inform policy notes and knowledge dissemination.
• Assist in preparing briefing materials, presentations, and summaries for consultations with the Ministry of Education, China Association of Higher Education, provincial bureaus, and other stakeholders.
• Help organize and document knowledge exchange activities and dissemination events, including logistics support, note-taking, and drafting summary reports.
• Support drafting, editing, and formatting of case studies, policy and operationalization notes, and other knowledge products ensuring consistency with World Bank standards.
• Assist with data organization, basic analysis, and maintenance of a repository of research materials, case study evidence, and stakeholder inputs.
• Contribute to translation or bilingual (English-Chinese) support for research materials, correspondence, and dissemination products as needed.
• Perform other research and knowledge management tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Candidates must be enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or equivalent postgraduate program (or in the final year or higher of a continuous undergraduate program in a country where higher education does not follow the standard system) and require the internship for academic credit, supported by an official letter from the university; or receive a stipend from their home university or sponsoring institution at least equivalent to the minimum World Bank STT T1 fee level.
• Candidates must provide required supporting documentation (e.g., university letter confirming academic credit requirement, or proof of stipend) at the time of application.
• Preferred academic background in education, development economics, international development, sociology, or other social sciences subjects.
• Strong preference for prior experience working with international development agencies/organizations and experience organizing or supporting international conferences and knowledge events.
• Candidates must have 0–6 years of relevant professional experience.
• Academic background must align with the requirements outlined in the job description.
• Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English required; fluency in Mandarin Chinese (written and spoken) is strongly preferred given the Beijing duty station and the need to liaise with Chinese government and academic counterparts.

Skills

• Research
• Knowledge Management
• Data Analysis
• Policy Analysis
• Event Organization
• International Development
• Conference Support
• Analytical Skills
• Problem Solving
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Multitasking
• Higher Education Research
• Skills Development
• English Language Proficiency
• Mandarin Chinese Proficiency

Languages

English, Mandarin Chinese