Young Professionals Programme
The WTO Young Professionals Programme was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO to enhance their knowledge regarding WTO and international trade issues. The programme aims to attract professionals from under-represented countries who can consequently improve their chances of being recruited by the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. The Programme is part of the Secretariat's efforts to increase diversity and broaden the representation of the membership.
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back to topGeneral functions
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. The areas of work may include accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, government procurement (GPA), 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.
back to topDuration
One year without possibility of extension.
Remuneration and benefits
Participants under the programme receive a monthly salary of CHF 4,000. The WTO also provides appropriate medical cover and travel costs.
Eligibility
A candidate must:
- be a national of a WTO member state
- 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 nationals from WTO members without any representation at the professional level in the Secretariat. A list of unrepresented WTO members will be provided when the request for applicants is posted.
back to topHow to apply
The request for applications for the Young Professionals Programme is published each year on the WTO external jobs platform. The system provides instructions for online application procedures. Applicants must submit a letter of motivation along with the completed online application.
back to topAdditional information
Being a young professional does not entail the right to a vacancy in another part of the Secretariat. Young professionals may nevertheless apply for external vacancies.
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The WTO external jobs platform must be used to apply for vacancies at the WTO. You can view current vacancies and submit your application. You can also refer to the WTO external jobs platform to monitor the status of vacancies for which you have applied.
Applications are welcome from women and men who are nationals of a WTO member state and under 65 years old. The list of members is available here.
The WTO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of the WTO and requesting the payment of a fee, please immediately contact [email protected].
If you experience technical problem with the WTO external jobs platform, please contact [email protected]
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