Call for Applications: Young Professionals Programme by World Trade Organization

WTO Young Professionals Programme 2025

About the WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization that regulates trade between nations. It operates through WTO agreements, negotiated and ratified by its member states, ensuring that trade flows smoothly, predictably, and freely.

About the Programme

The WTO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) was launched in 2016 to provide young professionals from developing and least-developed member states with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of WTO and international trade issues.

The programme aims to:

Increase diversity and representation in the WTO Secretariat.
Improve participants’ chances of being recruited by the WTO, regional, or international organizations.
Provide exposure to WTO agreements and trade-related policies.

General Function

Young professionals are assigned to specific WTO divisions based on organizational needs and their areas of interest. They may work in areas such as:

Trade Law & Dispute Settlement
Intellectual Property Rights
Trade Policy & Development
Trade in Services & Investment
Market Access & Competition Policy
Trade & Environment

Programme Duration

One year (non-extendable).

Remuneration & Benefits

Monthly salary of CHF 4,000.
Medical coverage.
Travel expenses covered by WTO.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a citizen of a WTO member state.
Hold an advanced degree in Law, Economics, or other international trade-related fields.
Have at least two years of relevant experience.
Strong interest in international trade and WTO-related work.
Fluency in English (knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage).
Must be 32 years of age or younger at the programme’s start date.

Note: Priority is given to candidates from WTO members underrepresented at the professional level in the Secretariat. A list of such members will be provided when applications open.

How to Apply?

Applications are submitted online through the WTO external jobs platform.
Applicants must submit a letter of motivation along with the completed online application.

Additional Information

The Young Professionals Programme does not guarantee a future position at the WTO Secretariat, but participants can apply for external vacancies.