Introduction to WTO Young Professionals Program

The WTO has call for candidates for the years Young Professionals Program (YPP). Candidates up to the age of 32, as of the beginning of the year, from eligible developing economies and least-developed countries.

The selected candidates will work in the WTO Secretariat for one year. The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a technical assistance programme overseen by the WTO’s Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation (ITTC) and funded by the Global Trust Fund. It is a unique opportunity for qualified young professionals from WTO members with low or no professional representation in the WTO Secretariat to enhance their knowledge of the WTO and skills in tackling international trade issues.

The Programme aims to widen the pool of professionals from these members and to provide participants with valuable hands-on experience. YPP alumni have gone on to hold positions in international organizations (including the WTO), national governments and the private sector, working in the field of multilateral diplomacy and global trade.

The selected young professionals (YPs) will be placed in a specific division of the WTO Secretariat in accordance with the needs and priorities of the organization, and based on their identified areas of interest. YPs will spend a year in the Secretariat learning about the organization’s work and contributing to its activities. The online application form can be accessed on the WTO e-Recruitment website

Young Professionals Programme

The WTO Young Professionals Programme was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO to enhance their knowledge regarding WTO and international trade issues. The programme aims to attract professionals from under-represented countries who can consequently improve their chances of being recruited by the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. The Programme is part of the Secretariat’s efforts to increase diversity and broaden the representation of the membership.

The selected young professionals are allocated to a specific division of the WTO Secretariat in accordance with the needs and priorities of the organization and based on the areas of interest of the young professional. The areas of work may include accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, government procurement (GPA), competition policy, market access, rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation, trade policy analysis and trade-related technical assistance. One year without possibility of extension.

Remuneration and benefits for the Young Professionals Program

Participants under the programme receive a monthly salary of CHF 3,500. The WTO also provides appropriate medical cover and travel costs.

Eligibility criteria for the Young Professionals Program

A candidate must:

be a national of a WTO member state

have an advanced university degree in law, economics, and other international trade-related subjects relevant to WTO work

have a minimum of two years’ relevant experience

demonstrate a high level of interest in international trade and commitment to WTO-related work

be fluent in English. A good working knowledge of one of the WTO’s other official languages, French or Spanish, would be an advantage

be 32 years of age or younger at the expected start date of the YPP, if selected.

Preference is given to nationals from WTO members without any representation at the professional level in the Secretariat.  A list of unrepresented WTO members will be provided when the request for applicants is posted. 

How to apply for the Young Professionals Program

The request for applications for the Young Professionals Programme is published each year. The system provides instructions for online application procedures. Applicants must submit a letter of motivation along with the completed online application. Visit the WTO portal to submit your application here

About WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

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