WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026: International Trade Career Opportunity
Overview
The WTO Young Professionals Programme places young professionals from developing and least-developed members of the World Trade Organization in the WTO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland. Launched in 2016, it aims to broaden representation within the Secretariat by giving professionals from under-represented members hands-on experience. Participants are assigned to a WTO division according to organizational priorities and their interests. The placement lasts one year and cannot be extended.
Assignments can cover accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, government procurement, competition policy, market access, trade rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation, trade policy analysis and trade-related technical assistance.
What you get
Participants receive a monthly salary of CHF 4,000, medical coverage and travel costs. The programme offers exposure to WTO agreements, trade policy, negotiations and technical assistance, and can build skills in research, policy analysis, writing and stakeholder engagement. Participation can improve chances of being recruited by the WTO or other regional and international organizations, although it does not guarantee a WTO position.
Who can apply
Applicants must be nationals of a WTO member and hold an advanced university degree in law, economics or another international trade-related subject. They need at least two years of relevant professional experience, a strong interest in international trade and WTO work, and must be 32 or younger at the expected start date. Preference goes to candidates from WTO members with no professional-level representation in the Secretariat; a list of under-represented members is published with each call.
Fluent English is required. A good working knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.
How to apply
The WTO publishes a request for applications each year on its external jobs platform. Applicants complete the online application and submit a motivation letter.