International trade is meticulously regulated and facilitated by the World Trade Organization (WTO), a prominent intergovernmental body that plays a crucial role in shaping global commerce.
The recruitment policy of the WTO is designed to attract and retain highly competent, efficient, and morally upright staff members.
One of the notable opportunities offered by the organization is the internship program, which provides candidates with a daily stipend of CHF 60 (approximately $62), accumulating to a total of around $1860 per month.
This program is aimed at recent graduates, offering them the chance to acquire invaluable skills and practical experience within the framework of the WTO.
Post-graduate students hailing from WTO member and observer nations are granted the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects through the World Trade Organization Internship Program.
The primary objective of the tasks assigned to interns is to deepen their understanding of the WTO and broaden their knowledge of trade policies.
Additionally, these internships extend beyond trade policy to encompass various specialized fields such as communications, information technology, finance, human resources, and language services.
The nature of the work assigned is tailored to the specific division to which the intern is allocated, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience.
Governments utilize this institution to establish, amend, and enforce the regulations that govern trade on an international scale. With a remarkable membership of 164 states, representing over 98% of global trade and GDP, the WTO stands as the largest international economic organization in existence. You can also apply for the RIPS Fully Funded Summer Internship 2025 (USA)
About the World Trade Organization:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) serves as a pivotal international body with the mission of promoting and facilitating global trade among its 162 member nations.
Established in 1995, the WTO has become a focal point for debates surrounding globalization, often facing criticism from various groups who challenge its impact on economies and societies.
At the heart of the WTO’s responsibilities lies the administration of a comprehensive framework of trade regulations, designed to foster fair and open trade practices.
It also acts as a vital forum for member countries to engage in negotiations aimed at reducing barriers to international commerce, thus enhancing cooperation and understanding among nations.
The origins of the WTO can be traced back to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), created in 1948.
GATT was born out of the desire to dismantle the stringent trade restrictions that had emerged during the interwar period, which many economists argue exacerbated the economic turmoil of the Great Depression in the 1930s.
The prevailing consensus among economists is that these interwar trade barriers were detrimental, contributing to a profound and prolonged economic crisis.
Requirements:
For you to be considered, you need to:
Be a citizen of a WTO member state, a nation or customs territory involved in accession talks,
Have finished at least one year of postgraduate study and have an undergraduate degree in a related field.
Be between the ages of 21 and 30 throughout the internship.
Benefits of Internship:
A daily stipend of CHF 60 is given to you, which includes weekends and official holidays that fall within the chosen time frame. The WTO is unable to reimburse travel costs to and from Geneva, and its insurance does not cover such travel.
You must arrange your health insurance before starting your internship at the WTO, as medical health insurance coverage is required in Switzerland.
How to Apply:
Only those who are chosen for interviews are contacted. You should apply via the WTO external employment portal.
Instructions for online application processes are provided by the system. To choose interns, a list of qualified applicants is kept up to date. Applications that meet the requirements are kept on file for a year.
The WTO Internship program accepts applications continuously; there is no set time frame for recruitment. However, the WTO’s e-recruitment website could offer specific job openings for internships that call for specific credentials and skill sets.
