WTO Internship Programmes Overview
The World Trade Organization (WTO) offers several internship opportunities to post-graduate students through different tailored programmes. These internships provide students with valuable exposure to international trade policy and allow them to contribute to the organization’s work while gaining professional experience. There are three primary internship programmes:
- WTO Internship Programme
- China LDCs, Accessions, and General Internship Programme
- WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies
These programmes aim to increase the diversity of the WTO and offer students and young professionals an opportunity to understand the intricacies of global trade. Below is an overview of each programme:
1. WTO Internship Programme
Purpose: The WTO Internship Programme allows post-graduate students from WTO member states or countries engaged in accession negotiations to gain valuable experience working with the WTO Secretariat.
Key Areas of Work: Interns may be assigned to various WTO divisions, where their work will help them gain a deeper understanding of international trade law, economics, and policy. Other areas include:
- Trade Law
- Economics
- Statistics
- Trade Policy
- Information Management
- Administration (finance, HR, procurement)
Duration: Up to 6 months.
Remuneration: Interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60, covering weekdays, weekends, and official holidays during the internship period. Travel expenses to and from Geneva are not covered.
Eligibility:
- Must be a national of a WTO member or a country engaged in WTO accession negotiations.
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree and at least one year of post-graduate studies.
- Age must be between 21 to 30 years old during the internship.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the WTO’s external jobs platform. The selection process is ongoing, and candidates are placed in a roster for future consideration. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
2. China LDCs, Accessions, and General Internship Programme
This programme is designed for post-graduate students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and developing nations. It aims to provide participants with exposure to WTO’s work and the specific needs of these countries in the context of international trade.
Key Areas of Work:
- Accessions Division: Assisting countries engaged in WTO accession negotiations.
- Other WTO Divisions: Depending on interests and division needs, interns may work in areas such as agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, competition policy, trade and development, trade facilitation, and more.
Duration: Up to 10 months.
Remuneration:
- Daily allowance of CHF 90.
- Travel expenses to and from Geneva (economy class) are covered.
- Health insurance subsidy (CHF 100/month).
Eligibility:
- Must be a national of an LDC or developing WTO member or observer country.
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree and at least one year of post-graduate studies.
- Must be no older than 30 years.
How to Apply:
- Complete the internship application form on the WTO external jobs platform.
- For internships in the Accessions Division, applicants must send a separate email to [email protected].
- For other divisions, applicants should email [email protected].
3. WTO Support Programme for Doctoral Studies (PhD Internship Programme)
The PhD Internship Programme is aimed at supporting doctoral students from developing countries. It allows them to advance their research with access to the WTO’s resources and expertise in international trade.
Key Functions:
- Doctoral candidates are expected to work on their PhD thesis, with mentoring provided by WTO experts.
- Participants will also have opportunities to interact with trade policy experts and the wider academic community.
Duration: 3 to 6 months.
Remuneration:
- Daily allowance of CHF 60.
- Travel expenses (economy class) to and from Geneva are covered.
- Health insurance is mandatory, and the interns are responsible for organizing their own coverage.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Must be a national of a WTO member or a country engaged in accession negotiations.
- Must be from a developing country or an LDC.
- Must be in the final stages of their PhD (75% completion).
- Fluency in one of the WTO’s official languages (English, French, Spanish) is required.
How to Apply: Candidates interested in the PhD Programme should complete the application form and submit the required documents as specified on the WTO’s website.
Additional Information for All Internship Programmes
- Internship Benefits: While internships provide a daily allowance, the WTO does not cover accommodation costs, and candidates are responsible for securing their own health insurance.
- Work Environment: Interns are expected to work in a multicultural environment and may be assigned to various areas of the Secretariat depending on their qualifications and the current needs of the organization.
- Future Employment: Completing an internship does not guarantee future employment with the WTO, though it provides valuable experience in international trade and policy.
Conclusion
The WTO Internship Programmes offer valuable opportunities for post-graduate students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience, expand their professional network, and contribute to shaping global trade policies. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are eager to immerse yourself in the world of international trade, applying for a WTO internship could be a significant step in your career
For more details & to apply visit official website here
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