The WTO has issued a call for candidates for the 2021 Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Candidates up to the age of 32, as of 1 January 2021, from eligible developing and least-developed countries are invited to submit their application by 29 May 2020. The selected candidates will work at the WTO Secretariat for one year, starting in January 2021.
General functions
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, market access, rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation, trade policy analysis and trade-related technical assistance.
Duration
One year without possibility of extension.
Remuneration and benefits
Participants under the programme receive a monthly salary of CHF 3,500. The WTO also provides appropriate medical cover and travel costs.
Eligibility
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
The request for applications for the Young Professionals Programme is published each year on the WTO e-Recruitment website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures. Applicants must submit a letter of motivation along with the completed online application.
Additional information
Being a young professional does not entail the right to a vacancy in another part of the Secretariat. Young professionals may nevertheless apply for external vacancies.
