An exciting opportunity for young professionals from all over the world to apply for the World Trade Organization Young Professionals Programme (YPP), which takes place in WTO's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, starting from 1st of January 2026. for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed members of the WTO. The WTO Young Professionals Programme lasts for a year without the possibility of extension. The selected participants receive a monthly salary, medical cover, and travel costs from the World Trade Organization.
About the WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a global institution responsible for regulating trade between nations. Established on January 1, 1995, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that international trade flows smoothly and fairly. With 166 member countries, the WTO represents the vast majority of global trade and economic activity.
The organization provides a platform for countries to negotiate trade agreements that reduce barriers such as tariffs and quotas. Additionally, it serves as a dispute resolution body, helping member states resolve trade conflicts and ensuring compliance with agreed-upon regulations. Through its work, the WTO promotes economic cooperation and fosters international trade development. For more details, visit the official WTO website.
About WTO Young Professional Programme
The WTO Young Professionals program was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least developed WTO members to expand their knowledge of the WTO and international trade issues. The program aims to attract professionals from member countries who are underrepresented in the WTO Secretariat. Participants in the program can thus increase their chances of employment in the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. The program is part of the WTO Secretariat's efforts to increase diversity and broaden member representation.
Selected young professionals are assigned to a specific division in the WTO Secretariat according to the needs and priorities of the organization and based on the young professional's areas of interest. Areas of work can include accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, government procurement, competition policy, market access, rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation, trade policy analysis, and trade-related technical assistance.
Key Benefits of the YPP Programme
Real-World Experience: Work directly within the WTO, gaining hands-on experience in international trade and global economic policies.
Networking: Connect with professionals, policymakers, and experts from all over the world, building valuable relationships for your career.
Career Growth: Enhance your opportunities for future employment at the WTO or other international organizations, expanding your skillset and knowledge.
Personal and Professional Development: Learn in a multicultural environment, enhancing both your personal growth and career prospects.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
A candidate must:
- Be a citizen of one of the member states of the WTO, check the list HERE
- Have an advanced degree from a recognized university in law, economics, and other international trade-related subjects relevant experience.
- Have at least two years of experience in one of the relevant fields of the WTO.
- Demonstrate a high level of interest in international trade and commitment to the work of the World Trade Organization.
- Have a proficiency in English. A good working knowledge of other WTO's official languages, such as French or Spanish, would be an advantage.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team, in a multicultural environment.
- Be 32 years of age or younger by the start of the Young Professional Programme.
Note: Applicants from WTO members that don't have any representation at the professional level in the secretariat will be given priority in the selection process. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Expenses and Benefits
- Selected Participants receive a monthly salary of 4000 Swiss Francs to support their stay in Geneva,
- The WTO provides medical cover during the participant's stay in Switzerland.
- Travel costs to and from Geneva will be covered by the WTO.
- YPP participants are expected to arrange their own accommodation and take care of their meal preparation.
How to get selected?
- Highlight your relevant experience in trade, economics, or policy analysis in your CV.
- Show a high interest in the WTO's work, mission, and goals in your motivation letter.
- The Motivation letter is a critical component. Clearly explain why you're interested in working with the WTO, what skills you can contribute, and how the programme will benefit your career.
- Being committed to the WTO's values and mission, demonstrating a clear desire to participate in global trade governance.
- Ensure that all sections of the online application are fully completed and reflect your relevant experience and qualifications.
Timeline
Application deadline: 22 April 2025
Start date: 1 January 2026
End date: 31 December 2026
How to apply?
To apply for the WTO Young Professionals Programme, candidates must submit their application online through the WTO website. The application should be in English and include a motivational letter. In the letter, candidates are asked to highlight up to three areas of interest, ranked in order of preference, where they would like to contribute within the WTO Secretariat.
More Details
For more comprehensive details about the WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026, including specific application guidelines, please visit the official programme page on the UNESCO website. Click here to learn more.
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