The landscape of international arbitration is shifting, and the chance to work at the heart of global investment governance is now within reach. The International Centre for Settlement of Investment DCareer and Internship Opportunities at ICSID.
About the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
A Career and Internship Opportunity at ICSID (World Bank Group) places you at the heart of global investment dispute resolution. Established in 1966, ICSID is the world’s leading institution for investor-State arbitration. It provides a neutral forum for resolving disputes between international investors and host States, fostering confidence in the global investment climate. With over 150 Member States, the Centre manages hundreds of cases simultaneously, involving complex legal questions and high-stakes economic interests.
The organizational environment at ICSID is intellectually rigorous and multicultural. Headquartered within the World Bank complex in Washington, D.C., the Secretariat consists of a dedicated team of legal and financial experts from around the globe. Working here offers unparalleled access to the development of international law precedents and the opportunity to work alongside the world’s most renowned arbitrators and conciliators.
About the Career and Internship Opportunity
The Career and Internship Opportunity at ICSID currently includes two high-impact tracks: a professional Paralegal position for experienced candidates and a Graduate Internship for students.
- Paralegal Role: This position involves assisting legal teams with case management, including drafting correspondence, preparing case-related budget estimates, and managing electronic case files. It is an ideal role for those with 1–2 years of experience seeking to deepen their technical expertise in arbitration procedures.
- ICSID Internship Programme: This 12-week program is designed for highly motivated graduate students. Interns are assigned to a case management team or the institutional team. Learning outcomes include a practical understanding of the ICSID Convention and Rules, exposure to real-time arbitration hearings, and the development of specialized research and legal drafting skills.
Also Read: Career Paths in International Arbitration
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Paralegal Application Deadline | February 11, 2026 |
| Internship Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
| Internship Period (Summer) | May – August 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline (On-site)
Location / Address: 1225 Connecticut Ave., N.W. (C Building), 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036, USA.
These opportunities are based at the ICSID headquarters in Washington, D.C. Being on-site is essential for law professionals to participate in case hearings, collaborate directly with Senior Counsel, and engage with the broader World Bank Group community. The headquarters features state-of-the-art hearing facilities and serves as the global hub for investment law activity.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
| Internship Duration | Minimum 12 weeks |
| Working Hours | Minimum 10 hours/week (Interns); Full-time (Paralegal) |
| Supervisor / Mentor | Assigned ICSID Counsel |
Eligibility & Requirements
For the Career and Internship Opportunity at ICSID, eligibility varies by track. Paralegal applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or a paralegal certificate and possess at least 1–2 years of relevant experience. Internship candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level law program (LL.M., Ph.D., or Rising 3L). All applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in international investment law and state dispute settlement. Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Spanish or French—ICSID’s other official languages—is highly preferred for handling multicultural caseloads.
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Additional Highlights
- Certificate of Completion for interns
- Exposure to high-profile international treaty disputes
- Direct mentorship by experienced ICSID Counsel
- Networking opportunities within the World Bank Group
- Academic credit (for interns, subject to university approval)
Contact Information
Address: 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, USA
Email: icsidinternship@worldbank.org (Internships) / WBG Careers Portal (Paralegal)
Application Procedure
The selection process for the World Bank Group and ICSID is highly competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register and submit their documents well before the Register By Last Date threshold to avoid technical delays.
- For Paralegal Applicants: Applications must be submitted through the official World Bank career portal.
- For Internship Applicants: Submit your application through the dedicated ICSID internship portal.
Click here to Apply for Paralegal Role
Click here to Apply for Internship
