WTO Young Professionals Programme — Fellowship

The Young Professionals Programme is run by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to bring early-career talent from under-represented members into its Geneva Secretariat. Each young professional is placed for one year in a division matched to their background — areas such as economics, law, dispute settlement, agriculture, intellectual property, trade and environment, or services.

The programme is aimed primarily at nationals of developing and least-developed WTO members, and gives hands-on exposure to the day-to-day work of the multilateral trading system. It runs once a year and does not offer extensions.

Benefits & funding

Monthly salary of CHF 4,000 for the one-year placement.
Medical cover provided by the WTO.
Travel costs covered.
A full year working inside a WTO Secretariat division, alongside trade economists, lawyers and negotiators.

Eligibility

Open to nationals of WTO member countries; preference goes to candidates from developing and least-developed members, especially those with little professional representation in the Secretariat.
Aged 32 or younger at the expected start date.
Hold an advanced university degree in law, economics or another international-trade-related field, obtained before applying.
At least two years of relevant work experience.
Fluent in English; a good working knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

Education required
Master
Experience required
≥ 2 yrs
Age requirement
≤ 32 yrs

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Application process

1
Prepare a motivation letter and CV.
2
Apply through the WTO external recruitment platform (Workday) during the annual call.
3
Shortlisted candidates are assessed and matched to a Secretariat division based on the organization’s needs and the candidate’s areas of interest.

Program timeline

Annual call for applications
opens around March–April each year.
2027 cohort application deadline
6 May 2026.
Placement
one year, without possibility of extension.