Applications are now open for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious one-year program offers young professionals a fully funded opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international trade and the workings of the WTO Secretariat.
Participants will receive a monthly salary of CHF 4,000, along with medical coverage and travel expenses. Open to candidates from WTO member countries, the program is designed to enhance knowledge of international trade policies, rules, and technical issues.
The program is set to begin in January 2026. Below are detailed insights into the program’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Program Details
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Location: WTO Headquarters, Geneva
- Duration: One Year (Non-extendable)
- Program Start Date: January 2026
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Financial Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Monthly Salary: CHF 4,000
- Medical Insurance Coverage
- Travel Allowance: Covers travel costs to and from Geneva
Areas of Work
Participants can select up to three preferred areas of WTO work, such as:
- Accessions
- Agriculture
- Dispute Settlement
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Government Procurement (GPA)
- Competition Policy
- Market Access
- Rules, Trade, and Development
- Trade and Environment
- Trade in Services, Investment, and Facilitation
- Trade Policy Analysis and Technical Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the WTO YPP 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Be a national of a WTO Member State. Check the full list of members here.
- Education: Hold an advanced university degree in:
- Law
- Economics
- Other trade-related disciplines relevant to WTO work
- Experience: Have at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Language Proficiency: Be fluent in English.
- Age Limit: Must be 32 years or younger as of the application deadline.
Application Process
- Online Submission: Apply via the WTO external jobs platform.
- Cover Letter: Include a motivation letter as part of your application.
- Language: Submit all documents in English.
- Deadline: Applications must be completed by April 21, 2025.
Why Apply?
The WTO YPP offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to the complexities of global trade and economic cooperation, while working in an international, multicultural environment.
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