How to Apply

The recruitment process at the WTO can vary depending on the position and type of contract. For fixed-term positions at the WTO Secretariat there are up to five steps. For internships, short-term contracts and consultancies the recruitment process is shorter.

1. Online application

Please complete and submit your online application form for the vacancy notice that interests you through the WTO website. All our fixed-term vacancy notices are published on the WTO website, normally for a period of four weeks. They are also announced through various social media

2. Screening

The Human Resources Division (HRD) and the hiring division screen all the applications, taking into account the requirements outlined in the vacancy notice, and a shortlist is established. Candidates may be asked to complete a test from the comfort of their own home as part of the screening process. The hiring division may invite preselected candidates for an asynchronous interview. In that instance, candidates are asked to complete a pre-recorded video interview where they are guided through a series of interview questions. Based on this, a final shortlist of candidates is established.

3. Interview & written test

Candidates on the final shortlist are invited to attend an interview remotely or in person held by a selection panel and may be required to complete a written test.

The selection panel usually consists of four to six persons from the hiring division, the Human Resources Division and other areas of the organization. The interviewers assess the behavioural and technical skills of the candidates, whereas the written test is intended to assess the technical skills. The assessment of behavioural skills at the interview are done based on questions asking for past experience having demonstrated the particular behaviour, or what's more commonly known as "competency-based interview". Depending on the vacancy, candidates may be asked to go through additional forms of assessment such as a presentation or assessment centre.

4. Review by internal board and decision by Director-General

The selection panel prepares a report to be reviewed by an internal board, based on various information collected throughout the selection process. An internal board then reviews the report submitted by the selection panel and makes a final recommendation to the Director-General on the appointment of the candidate. The Director-General makes the final selection decision on the candidate to be appointed.

5. Offer and Reference Check

Following the Director-General's final decision, an offer is made to the selected candidate for the position, subject to satisfactory reference checks. Generally speaking, the Human Resources Division contacts the selected candidate by phone.