The World Trade Organization has launched the application process for the next edition of its Young Professionals Programme, a one-year opportunity for early-career professionals from developing economies to gain hands-on experience of trade issues at the WTO Secretariat.
The selected young professionals are allocated to a specific division of the WTO Secretariat in accordance with the needs and priorities of the organization and based on the areas of interest of the young professional.
Focus Areas
The focus areas are accessions, agriculture, climate change, communications and external relations, competition policy, council and trade negotiations, digital trade, dispute settlement, economic research and statistics, fisheries subsidies, government procurement (GPA), intellectual property rights, investment facilitation for development, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), market access (tariffs and non-tariff barriers), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
Others are technical barriers to trade, trade and development, trade and environment/climate change, trade facilitation, trade finance, trade and gender, trade in services and investment, trade policy analysis, trade-related technical assistance, and trade remedies (anti-dumping and countervailing duties).
Funding information
Participants under the programme receive a monthly salary of CHF 4,000. The WTO also provides appropriate medical cover and travel costs.
Eligibility Criteria
A candidate must:
– Be a natural person from a WTO member
– Have an advanced university degree in law, economics, and other international trade-related subjects relevant to WTO work
– Have a minimum of two years’ relevant experience
– Demonstrate a high level of interest in international trade and commitment to WTO-related work
– Be fluent in English. A good working knowledge of one of the WTO’s other official languages, French or Spanish, would be an advantage
– Be 32 years of age or younger at the expected start date of the YPP, if selected.
– Preference is given to candidates from WTO members without any representation at the professional level in the Secretariat.
Deadline
The deadline is April 21, 2025. But all applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time.
Application Requirements
Education: Advanced university degree in economics, econometrics, international relations, law, environment studies, or other trade-related subjects relevant to the work of the WTO (e.g. international investment law, trade and gender, etc.). Applicants must have obtained their advanced university degree by the time they submit their application.
Knowledge and Skills:
- General knowledge of the work of the WTO.
- Technical knowledge in one or more of the areas of work indicated above. Good drafting skills in English. Ability to draft in French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, in a multicultural environment.
- Demonstrated strong interest in international trade and the multilateral trading system.
- Commitment and passion for trade or WTO-related work.
Work Experience: - Minimum two years of professional experience relevant to the work of the WTO.
Languages: - Fluency in English. A good working knowledge of either French or Spanish would be an advantage.
How to apply
Click HERE to apply.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened applications for its Young Professionals Programme, a one-year initiative for early-career professionals from developing economies. Participants gain practical experience in trade issues at the WTO Secretariat. Young professionals are assigned to specific divisions aligned with WTO's needs and the individual's interests. Focus areas include accessions, agriculture, climate change, trade policy, dispute settlements, intellectual property, and several others.
Participants receive a monthly salary of CHF 4,000, medical cover, and travel costs. Eligibility requirements include being from a WTO member country, aged 32 or younger, holding an advanced degree in law, economics, or related areas, with at least two years of relevant experience, and fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Spanish is advantageous. The deadline for applications is April 21, 2025, but early submission is recommended. Applicants need an advanced degree in relevant fields, strong WTO work knowledge, drafting skills, team collaboration ability, and passion for trade work. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online.
