WTO Young Professionals Programme 2026 – A Gateway for Early-Career Talent in International Trade
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently inviting applications for the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026, a prestigious initiative designed to equip emerging professionals from developing and least-developed countries—including Nigeria—with practical experience in global trade policy. Launched in 2016, the programme aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of talented individuals from under-represented WTO member states, increasing their potential for future roles within the WTO or other international organisations.
This is a unique one-year opportunity to work at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, in areas that shape global commerce. The programme is part of the WTO’s broader effort to diversify its talent pool and strengthen representation from across its global membership.
About the WTO Young Professionals Programme
Participants are placed within specific divisions of the WTO Secretariat, depending on the organisation’s needs and the individual’s stated areas of interest. These placements offer in-depth experience in one or more areas of the WTO’s work, ranging from trade law to climate change and digital trade.
This is a one-year programme with no possibility of extension, but it serves as a valuable launchpad for international trade careers.
Monthly Salary and Benefits
- Monthly salary: CHF 4,000
- Travel expenses covered
- Health insurance provided
Areas of Work
Applicants must indicate up to three preferred areas of work when applying. Fields include (but are not limited to):
- Agriculture
- Climate Change
- Communications and External Relations
- Competition Policy
- Digital Trade
- Dispute Settlement
- Economic Research and Statistics
- Fisheries Subsidies
- Government Procurement (GPA)
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Investment Facilitation
- Market Access
- MSMEs
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
- Technical Barriers to Trade
- Trade and Development
- Trade Facilitation
- Trade Finance
- Trade and Gender
- Trade in Services
- Trade Remedies
- Trade Policy Analysis
- Trade-Related Technical Assistance
You can also Gain Global Experience in Trade Policy with the WTO Internship Programmes
Who Can Apply for the WTO Young Professionals Programme
To be eligible for the Young Professionals Programme, candidates must:
- Be a national of a WTO member country
- Hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in law, economics, international relations, environmental studies, or other trade-related fields
- Have at least two years of relevant work experience
- Be 32 years old or younger by 1 January 2026
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international trade and WTO-related work
- Be fluent in English; knowledge of French or Spanish is an added advantage
Preference is given to candidates from WTO member countries that are under-represented or have no professional-level representation at the WTO Secretariat.
Under-Represented Members
Countries considered under-represented include Nigeria, Bangladesh, Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, Togo, Zambia, and many others across Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Priority will also be given to applicants from members who have not previously participated in the YPP.
A full list of under-represented WTO members can be found on the WTO website.
Microsoft Global University Internship 2025 – Paid Opportunities Around the World
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 intake will be submitted via the WTO external jobs platform once the call is published. Interested candidates should:
- Check the vacancy announcement on the WTO’s careers page
- Submit an online application through the platform
- Include a motivation letter specifying up to three areas of interest (in order of preference)
- Upload all required documents, including CV and academic qualifications
Note: Applications without a cover letter or with incomplete information will not be considered.
Application Deadline for the WTO Young Professionals Programme
The application deadline for the WTO Young Professionals Programme is 21st April, 2025.
Important Notes
- The YPP does not guarantee future employment within the WTO, but alumni are welcome to apply for future openings.
- Only nationals from WTO member countries are eligible.
- The WTO may use remote technologies such as video interviews or online assessments during the selection process.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For further details and updates, visit the WTO Young Professionals Programme page here:
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