Apply Now for the World Bank/GFDRR Disaster & Climate Risk Data Fellowship 2026 for Climate and Disaster Risk Professionals

Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

The World Bank, through the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), is inviting applications for the second edition of the Disaster & Climate Risk Data Fellowship 2026. This prestigious program provides a six-month professional placement for early-career climate and disaster risk professionals from climate-vulnerable countries.

The fellowship empowers participants to apply data science, geospatial technologies, and disaster risk management tools to real-world World Bank projects. Fellows will directly engage with World Bank Operations, helping countries access, generate, and communicate critical disaster and climate risk knowledge.

Fellowship Overview

The Risk Data Fellows Program offers a six-month contract (75 working days) between November 2025 and April 2026. Fellows will be placed on selected World Bank projects that focus on disaster and climate resilience in vulnerable countries.

Based on performance, fellows may be considered for an additional six-month contract. This opportunity provides hands-on professional experience while advancing climate resilience initiatives in fragile and conflict-affected regions.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be from one of the following climate-vulnerable and fragile countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East:

Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Zimbabwe.

Program Benefits

• A six-month professional fellowship with the World Bank
• Opportunity to contribute to real projects addressing disaster and climate risk
• Direct engagement with international teams, enhancing professional networks
• Exposure to data science training, geospatial tools, and professional development courses
• Potential for contract extension based on performance
• Backing from leading global institutions including the Swiss Re Foundation and the Digital Earth team at GFDRR

Selection Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional qualifications. Required criteria include:

• Master’s, Ph.D., or current graduate study in climate change, disaster risk management, geospatial technologies, computer science, civil engineering, or related fields
• Proven experience with digital technologies for disaster risk management (data platforms, models, standards)
• Strong data science or geospatial analytics expertise
• Ability to translate theory into practice and propose data-driven solutions for climate and disaster risk management
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, including synthesizing complex information for diverse audiences
• Strong teamwork and intercultural collaboration skills
• Fluency in English and the ability to work under tight deadlines with minimal supervision

Fellowship Duration

• Contract length: 75 working days
• Timeline: November 2025 – April 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare their applications and submit them before September 26, 2025.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The World Bank/GFDRR Disaster & Climate Risk Data Fellowship is more than just a placement—it is a platform to equip professionals with advanced risk management tools and to empower vulnerable nations with actionable climate and disaster data. By fostering talent from fragile regions, the program strengthens resilience, encourages knowledge-sharing, and drives global progress in climate adaptation.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE