Funding

Salary

Program dates

TBA

Fellowship•Switzerland · Geneva

WTO Young Professionals Programme

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Application Deadline

Closed · May 6, 2026

Reopens ~May 2027

Official Page

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?

Worth a closer look

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  • Education required

    Master

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  • Experience required

    ≥ 2 yrs

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  • Age requirement

    ≤ 32 yrs

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Sign in to check eligibility

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

  1. 1
    Prepare a motivation letter and CV.
  2. 2
    Apply through the WTO external recruitment platform (Workday) during the annual call.
  3. 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

  1. Annual call for applications

    opens around March–April each year.

  2. 2027 cohort application deadline

    6 May 2026.

  3. Placement

    one year, without possibility of extension.