Apply Now For World Trade Organization (WTO) Paid Internship Programme: Gain Valuable Experience in International Trade
Are you eager to contribute to the promotion of equality and fairness in global trade? Look no further than the World Trade Organization (WTO) Paid Internship Programme in Geneva, Switzerland. With the application deadline of 31 December 2023, this is your opportunity to become an intern at one of the world’s foremost organizations dedicated to fostering a balanced and transparent international trading system.
The WTO Secretariat employs a diverse workforce of over 600 professionals from approximately 80 WTO member countries. These dedicated individuals, including dispute settlement lawyers, legal officers, trade policy analysts, research economists, and statisticians, play a crucial role in ensuring smooth trade negotiations and effective implementation of international trade rules.
The WTO Secretariat offers three internship programmes tailored for post-graduate students who wish to gain practical experience and in-depth knowledge of the multilateral trading system. However, please note that the number of available internships is limited. The selection process for internships is based on merit, eligibility criteria, academic qualifications, and expertise.
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WTO Internship Programme
- Open to post-graduate students from all WTO member countries and countries or customs territories engaged in accession negotiations
- For more information, visit: WTO Internship Programme
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China LDC and Accessions Programme (also known as the China WTO Accession Internship Programme)
- Reserved for post-graduate students from developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs)
- For more information, visit: China’s LDCs and Accessions Programme
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WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies
- Reserved for post-graduate students from developing countries and LDCs pursuing doctoral studies
- For more information, visit: WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the internship programmes, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationals of WTO member states and Observer governments
- Completed at least one year of postgraduate studies in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, law, political science, international relations)
- Minimum age of 21 years and a maximum age of 30 years
Contractual Terms and Conditions:
Once selected, interns will enter into an agreement with the Director of the Human Resources Division, which will outline the conditions of service and details of any remuneration.
Paid interns will receive a daily allowance of CHF 60, inclusive of weekends and official holidays falling within the internship period. No additional remuneration will be provided.
It’s important to note that the internships will take place in Geneva, Switzerland. The WTO does not cover travel expenses to and from Geneva, nor does it provide insurance coverage for interns. Interns are responsible for arranging their own insurance for the duration of the internship, covering illness and accidents.
Internships last a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months, depending on the needs of the Divisions. In some cases, an internship may be split between two Divisions, each lasting at least three months and not exceeding six months in total. Interns may commence their assignments at any time during the year.
However, it is not possible to return to the programme or switch to another programme after completing a full six-month internship. While an internship does not guarantee a subsequent vacancy within the Secretariat, interns are welcome to apply for external positions.
Upon starting the internship, interns may receive a Swiss legitimation card type “H,” depending on their nationality and any Swiss residence permit they may hold.
This card serves as a work and residence permit for the duration of the internship. It is essential to thoroughly review the responsibilities associated with holding this card, as explained in the provided link.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline for the WTO Paid Internship Programme is 31 December 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable experience and contribute to the advancement of international trade. Apply now and be part of an organization dedicated to shaping the future of global commerce.