Applications are now open for the 2026 World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Professionals Programme.
The WTO Young Professionals Programme was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed members of the WTO to enhance their knowledge regarding the WTO and international trade issues. The programme aims to attract professionals from members under-represented in the WTO Secretariat.
Participants in the Programme can consequently improve their chances of being recruited by the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. The Programme is part of the WTO Secretariat’s efforts to increase diversity and broaden the representation of the membership.
Programme Details
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.
Duration
- One year without possibility of extension.
Eligibility
A candidate must:
- be a natural person from a WTO member
- 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.
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.
How 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.
Apply Now for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Professionals Programme
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Professionals Programme