Applications for the WTO Young Professional Program 2026 are now available. The World Trade Organization is committed to having an excellent team while promoting diversity and equal opportunity. The WTO YPP gives young professionals under the age of 32 a special chance if they come from countries with little or no representation in the WTO Secretariat. The program is a one-year full-time position with no option for extension. It allows candidates to gain valuable experience in international trade and understand the multilateral trading system. It also helps to broaden the talent pool and increase diversity.
Key Points:
- Purpose: Improve diversity and representation within the organization
- Eligibility: Young professionals under 32 from underrepresented countries
- Opportunity: One-year full-time position that offers practical experience in international trade
- Commitment: The organisation values competence, efficiency, integrity and inclusiveness in every candidate.
WTO Young Professional Program Summary
| Program Country | Switzerland |
| Available For | Internatonals |
| Program Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 April 2025 |
Also See: Oxford University HISA Youth Fellowship 2025 in UK
Fellowship Benefits
The WTF Young Professional Program Will cover the following financial benefits:
- A monthly salary of CHF 4000
- Full medical coverage
- All travel costs covered
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality and WTO Membership: You must be a citizen of a WTO member country.
- Academic Background:
- You need an advanced degree (like a master’s or higher) in law, economics or another field linked to international trade or WTO activities.
- Professional Experience: You must have at least two years of work experience in areas connected to international trade or WTO-related tasks.
- Passion and Commitment: You must show strong interest in international trade and a clear dedication to supporting the WTO’s work.
- Language Proficiency: You must be fluent in English. Knowing French or Spanish is a strong advantage.
- Age Requirement: You must be 32 years old or younger when the programme starts.
- Priority for Underrepresented Nations: Applicants from WTO member countries with few or no staff in the WTO Secretariat get priority. A list of these countries is shared below.
Eligible Countries List
Africa:
- Seychelles
- Namibia
- Liberia
- Eswatini
- Gabon
- Sierra Leone
- The Gambia
- South Africa
- Malawi
- Uganda
- Botswana
- Mozambique
- Cabo Verde
- Zambia
- Lesotho
- Zimbabwe
- Tanzania
- Angola
- Nigeria
- Cameroon
- Senegal
- Mauritius
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Benin
- Rwanda
- Djibouti
Asia & Middle East:
- Myanmar
- Israel
- Armenia
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Viet Nam
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Bangladesh
- Mongolia
- Sri Lanka
- Malaysia
- Kazakhstan
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Tajikistan
- Nepal
Caribbean & Central America:
- Guyana
- Barbados
- Haiti
- Belize
- Suriname
- Honduras
- Panama
- Grenada
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Nicaragua
- Dominican Republic
- Guatemala
Europe:
- Moldova
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Georgia
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
Pacific & Others:
- Papua New Guinea
- Fiji
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
Also See: Three-Week Jefferson Fellowship 2025: Fully Funded
The Programme Offers
A one-year chance to work on real WTO projects. You can pick and rank up to three areas you’re interested in.
Possible Areas of Work
- Accessions
- Dispute settlement
- Competition policy
- Intellectual property rights
- Government procurement (GPA)
- Agriculture
- Market access
- Rules Trade and Development
- Trade in services and investment
- Trade facilitation
- Trade-related technical assistance
- Trade and environment
- Trade policy analysis
Application Process for the WTO Young Professional Program 2026
- Submit your application in English.
- Include a cover letter that explains your areas of interest and lists your top three preferred divisions in order (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
- Applications will not be considered without a cover letter.
- Apply online through the WTO’s official recruitment portal.
- Applications are reviewed as they arrive so apply as early as possible.
Apply Now For The WTO Young Professional Program 2026