World Trade Organization (WTO) Internship Program

Postgraduate students and recent graduates with an advanced university degree who wishes to gain practical experience and deeper knowledge of the multilateral trading system, the World Trade Organization Secretariat has made available three internship programs for you. To be selected for this internship, you need to have fulfilled the eligibility criteria, have solid academic qualifications, and expertise.

The programs listed below are designed to increase diversity at the World Trade Organization, and you can get more information about each in the links provided:

1. The WTO Internship Program is open to postgraduate students and recent graduates with an advanced university degree from all WTO members and countries or customs territories engaged in accession negotiations – WTO Internship Program
2. The China’s LDCs, Accessions, and General Internship Program – Up to ten internships offered under this program annually, reserved for postgraduate students and recent graduates with an advanced university degree from developing countries and least developed countries – China’s LDCs and Accessions Program
3. The WTO Support Program for Doctoral Studies – Reserved for Postgraduates from developing countries and least developed countries working on their PhD. Thesis – WTO Support Program for Doctoral Studies

Eligibility Criteria

• Interns are recruited from among nationals of the World Trade Organization Member states and Observer governments.
• Interns shall have completed at least one year of their postgraduate studies in a relevant discipline (for example, economics, law, political science, international relations).
• The minimum age for an intern is 21 years and the maximum age 30 years.
• A roster for suitable candidates is maintained from which interns are selected. In addition to the internship programs, the need may also arise to recruit interns at short notice for specific tasks. These recruits will also be drawn from the roster. Names will be maintained on the roster for one year and no more.

Terms and Conditions

• An agreement will be established between the intern and the Director of the Human Resources Division, specifying the conditions of service and details of any remuneration.
• Paid interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60 (including weekends and official holidays falling within the selected period. Except for interns recruited under the China’s LDCs, Accessions and General Internship Program who will receive a daily allowance of CHF 90). No other remuneration of any kind shall be paid.

For more information, kindly visit the official webpage of the World Trade Organization Internship Program