The WTO Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026 offers a unique, paid opportunity for young professionals to gain practical experience in global trade and the World Trade Organization (WTO) operations. This program is designed to give participants hands-on exposure to critical issues in global trade, working directly within the WTO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland. With its highly inclusive, dynamic environment, the WTO offers a platform for young professionals to contribute to shaping international trade policies while expanding their career prospects.
Summary of Key Points
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Organization: World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Program Duration: 1 Year
- Location: WTO Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland
- Salary: CHF 4,000/month
- Eligibility: Open to WTO member countries, candidates under 32 years old, with specific educational and professional experience.
The WTO Young Professionals Program is a highly competitive, one-year opportunity offering a salary and other benefits to participants. This program is open to young professionals from WTO member countries who have limited representation in the WTO Secretariat. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the WTO’s work in various areas of international trade, while actively contributing to the organization’s mission.
The WTO Secretariat, located in Geneva, Switzerland, is a globally recognized hub for diplomacy and trade. The Secretariat employs nearly 600 staff from over 80 countries, creating an enriching and diverse working environment. As part of the program, participants will be placed in divisions such as Agriculture, Climate Change, Competition Policy, Dispute Settlement, Trade and Gender, and many others. They will be expected to work on real-world projects that address ongoing challenges in the world of trade, enhancing their professional experience in the process.
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Program Details and Benefits
Program Structure
- Duration: 1 year
- Location: WTO Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland
- Benefits:
- Salary: CHF 4,000 per month
- Medical allowance: Provided
- Travel coverage: All travel expenses are covered
- Career Development: Participants gain practical experience in trade-related areas and work on real-time projects that impact global trade policies.
Fields of Work
Participants may work in several areas of international trade, including but not limited to:
- Accessions
- Agriculture
- Climate Change
- Competition Policy
- Dispute Settlement
- Intellectual Property
- Digital Trade
- Trade and Gender
- Technical Barriers to Trade
The WTO encourages applicants to indicate up to three areas of interest, which will assist in determining their division placement according to the organization’s needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the WTO Young Professionals Program 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be under 32 years old as of January 1, 2026.
- Educational Requirements: A university degree in fields such as economics, econometrics, international relations, law, environmental studies, or other trade-related subjects.
- Experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the field of international trade or related areas.
- Language: Fluency in English is mandatory.
- WTO Membership: The applicant must be a national from a WTO member country, with priority given to countries with low or no professional representation at the WTO
Eligible Countries for the WTO YPP 2026
The program is open to applicants from the following WTO member countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Laos, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Zambia, and more.
How to Apply for the WTO Young Professionals Program 2026
To apply for the WTO Young Professionals Program 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the WTO external job platform.
- Select the Young Professionals Post.
- Complete the online application form in English.
- Indicate up to three areas of interest based on your expertise.
- Attach the required documents, including:
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Valid Passport
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit your application for the WTO Young Professionals Program 2026 is April 22, 2025. Ensure you complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
For full details and to submit your application, visit the WTO official job platform.
The WTO Young Professionals Program 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for young professionals seeking to advance their careers in international trade and global policy development. With the chance to work in the heart of Europe at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva, this program provides an immersive, practical experience in global trade negotiations, policy analysis, and international cooperation. If you are passionate about trade, diplomacy, and global development, this program is the perfect step for your career advancement.
