Internship Opportunities at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
The World Trade Organization (WTO) offers three distinct internship programmes aimed at providing valuable exposure to global trade systems while enhancing diversity and capacity-building for developing countries:
1. WTO Internship Programme
Open to post-graduate students from all WTO member states and observer countries/customs territories engaged in accession negotiations.
2. China LDC and Accessions Internship Programme
Reserved for post-graduate students from least developed countries (LDCs) and developing countries.
3. WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies
Aimed at PhD candidates from LDCs and developing countries in the final stage of their research.
1. WTO Internship Programme
General Assignments
Interns may work in various departments, including:
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Trade Law
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Economics
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Statistics
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Trade Policy
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Administration (Finance, HR, Procurement)
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Communications and External Relations
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IT and Information Management
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Language Services
Duration
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Up to 6 months
Remuneration
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Daily stipend of CHF 60 (including weekends and public holidays)
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Travel costs not covered
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Interns must arrange their own health insurance
Eligibility
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National of a WTO member state or accession country/customs territory
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Completed undergraduate studies and at least 1 year of post-graduate studies
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Aged between 21 and 30 years
Application Process
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Apply through the WTO external jobs platform
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No fixed deadline; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
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A roster is maintained for one year; only shortlisted applicants are contacted
2. China LDCs and Accessions Internship Programme
This programme, sponsored by the Government of China, offers opportunities for young professionals and post-graduates from LDCs and developing countries to gain work experience at the WTO.
General Functions
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5 interns work in the Accessions Division
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5 interns are placed in other WTO divisions based on their interests and WTO needs
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Work areas include: agriculture, dispute settlement, IPR, competition policy, GPA, market access, trade in services, and more
Duration
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Up to 10 months
Remuneration
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Daily stipend of CHF 90
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Economy-class travel expenses covered
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Additional CHF 100/month to support health insurance
Eligibility
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Must be from a developing country or LDC
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Completed undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline (economics, law, international relations, etc.)
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Completed at least 1 year of postgraduate studies
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Aged 30 or below
Application Process
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Apply via the WTO internship platform
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Send a separate email with your CV, motivation letter, and a copy of your online application to:
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Accessions Programme:
ChinaProgramme@wto.org -
General Internship Programme:
ChinaInternship-gen@wto.org(Applications open from 1 June to 31 August)
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3. WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies (PhD Internship)
Designed to support PhD candidates from developing and LDCs in advancing their research on WTO-related topics.
Functions
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Focused on thesis development, not WTO assignments
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Interns are paired with a WTO mentor
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Must present a seminar on their research at the end
Duration
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Between 3 to 6 months
Remuneration
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Daily allowance of CHF 60
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Economy travel covered
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Interns arrange and finance their own health insurance
Eligibility
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National of a WTO member or accession country
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From a developing country or LDC
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PhD candidate in economics, law, international relations, or a related field
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At least 75% of thesis completed
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Fluent in English, French, or Spanish
How to Apply
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Submit the application form and required documents through the WTO internship portal
Important Notes
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These internships do not lead to employment within the WTO but interns may apply for external vacancies during or after their internship.
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There are no set deadlines for most of the programmes, but it is advisable to apply well in advance due to competitive selection.
Click here for the official notification: https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e.htm
Click here to apply: https://wto.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/details/Intern_JR103492