WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Professionals Programme 2026 has been announced. This prestigious one-year professional program is designed for early-career professionals from developing and least-developed WTO member countries who are underrepresented at the WTO Secretariat. If you have a passion for international trade and want to gain hands-on experience at the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland, this program is a career-defining opportunity. The application deadline is April 21, 2025.

WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026

The WTO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) was launched in 2016 to provide technical assistance and capacity-building opportunities for young professionals. The program is overseen by the WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation and is financed by voluntary contributions to the WTO Global Trust Fund.

This program places selected professionals in specific divisions within the WTO Secretariat based on their areas of interest and the WTO’s needs. The one-year contract is non-extendable and aims to provide valuable experience in international trade and policy development at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

About the World Trade Organization (WTO)

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the leading international organization that regulates global trade for the benefit of all nations. Established in 1995, the WTO currently has 166 member countries, with a primary goal to promote free and fair trade worldwide.

The WTO’s main responsibilities include:

• Reducing trade barriers through agreements and negotiations
• Ensuring fair trade policies for economic growth and development
• Resolving trade disputes among members
• Monitoring and reviewing global trade policies
• Building trade capacity in developing economies

With a headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the WTO has a staff of around 700 professionals and operates in three official languages: English, French, and Spanish.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a national of a developing or least-developed WTO member country (underrepresented at the professional level at the WTO Secretariat).
• Age: Must be 32 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026.
• Education: Must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, econometrics, international relations, law, environmental studies, or any trade-related field (e.g., international investment law, trade and gender studies, etc.).
• Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in a WTO-related field.
• Language Proficiency: You must have fluent English. Knowing French or Spanish is a plus.
• Commitment to Trade & WTO Work: Strong motivation to contribute to international trade policy and economic development.
• WTO strongly encourages female candidates to apply to this Programme.

Benefits of the WTO Young Professionals Programme

Selected candidates will receive numerous benefits during their one-year tenure at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, including:

• Monthly Salary: CHF 4,000 (Swiss Francs)
• Appropriate medical cover and travel costs
• Hands-on experience in international trade policy and WTO operations
• Placement in a WTO division that matches career interests
• Networking opportunities with global trade experts and policymakers
• Professional development and capacity-building opportunities

Areas of Work in the WTO Young Professionals Programme

Selected candidates will be placed in a specific division at the WTO Secretariat based on their expertise and interests. Areas of work include many fields, some of which are:

• Trade Negotiations & Market Access
• Trade Facilitation & Development
• Dispute Settlement & Legal Affairs
• Trade and Environment / Climate Change
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Digital Trade & E-commerce
• Agriculture & Fisheries Subsidies
• Economic Research & Statistics
• Competition Policy & Investment Facilitation
• Trade Remedies (anti-dumping, countervailing duties, safeguards)
• Trade and Gender

For a full list of areas, visit the official WTO website.

How to Apply for the WTO YPP 2026?

For the World Trade Organization WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026, apply online:

• Prepare a Cover Letter: Your application must include a motivational cover letter indicating up to three (3) areas of work (from the list above) that you are most interested in, in order of preference.
• Complete the Online Application Form: Submit your application via the WTO online portal.
• Ensure Eligibility & Required Documents: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and have all necessary documents ready.
• Submit your Application Before the Deadline: The deadline for submission is April 21, 2025.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
• Program Start Date: January 2026

The WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026 is an exclusive opportunity for early-career professionals to gain firsthand experience in international trade at the world’s leading trade organization. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of global trade, APPLY NOW before the deadline and take a step towards a prestigious career in international trade.

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