Host Organization: World Trade Organization (WTO)
Category: Internships | Training
Eligible Countries: All WTO Member Countries
Reward: CHF 4,000 Monthly Stipend
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
About the WTO Young Professionals Program
The WTO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026 is a prestigious, one-year opportunity designed to enhance the expertise of young professionals from underrepresented WTO Member countries in global trade and international economic policy. This initiative aims to develop future leaders in international trade, equipping them with valuable skills and experience within the WTO Secretariat.
By participating in this program, young professionals will gain firsthand experience in multilateral trade negotiations, economic research, trade policy analysis, and legal frameworks governing global commerce. This program serves as a stepping stone to potential careers within the WTO, regional trade organizations, and international institutions.
Eligibility and Requirements
Educational Qualifications:
- An advanced university degree in economics, international relations, international law, environmental studies, or other trade-related disciplines.
- Applicants must have completed their degree before applying.
Work Experience:
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in trade-related fields.
- Experience in economic research, trade negotiations, policy development, or WTO-related work is highly preferred.
Language Proficiency:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.
Core Skills and Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
- Passion for international trade policy and the multilateral trading system.
Program Benefits
- Monthly stipend of CHF 4,000 to cover living expenses.
- Exposure to high-level trade policy discussions.
- Opportunities for career development in international organizations.
- Networking with global trade experts and policymakers.
- Work experience at WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Areas of Work
Selected professionals will work in one of the following WTO divisions, based on their expertise and preferences:
- Trade Policy Analysis
- International Trade Negotiations
- Digital Trade and E-commerce
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Market Access & Tariff Policies
- Climate Change & Sustainability in Trade
- Sanitary & Phytosanitary Measures
- Trade & Development
- Trade Facilitation & Customs Procedures
- Competition Policy & Trade Remedies
- Investment Facilitation & Trade Finance
- Trade and Gender Equality
- Government Procurement Policies
Candidates must specify up to three preferred areas in their cover letter.
Who Can Apply?
This program is exclusively for nationals of WTO Member countries that are underrepresented in the WTO Secretariat. Priority is given to candidates from developing and least-developed countries (LDCs).
Eligible countries include (but are not limited to):
- Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Asia-Pacific: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.
- Europe: Albania, Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay.
Female candidates and individuals from non-represented WTO Members are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Application Requirements:
- Submit your application in English.
- Attach a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Include a cover letter indicating up to three areas of interest within the WTO.
- Provide supporting documents, including educational credentials and work experience verification.
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Late submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process
The WTO will conduct a competitive selection process involving:
- Initial application screening based on qualifications and experience.
- Interviews and assessments (may include written tests, video conferencing, or in-person meetings).
- Final selection based on merit, diversity, and representation needs.
Important Notes
- The WTO is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- The program is non-renewable and runs for a maximum of one year.
- Applicants must be under 32 years of age as of January 1, 2026.
- The WTO does not charge any application fees.
Apply Now
Interested candidates should apply online via the official WTO recruitment portal.
Apply Here
Don’t miss this career-defining opportunity to work at the forefront of global trade policy!