The WTO Accessions Internship Programme

The WTO Accessions Internship Programme aims to help young professionals from least-developed countries (LDCs) and developing countries increase their understanding of the WTO and of trade law, international economics and international relations in general. Under this programme, sponsored by the Government of China, four intern positions are available at the WTO on an annual basis. The maximum duration of the internship is six months.

To take part in the programme, the interns must be: 1) nationals of LDCs or developing countries that are already WTO members; or 2) nationals of countries or customs territories engaged in the WTO accession process. Interns who are nationals of WTO members work in the Accessions Division while nationals of acceding countries or customs territories work in other divisions of the WTO.
The WTO Accessions Internship Programme is part of China’s LDCs and Accessions Programme — known as the “China Programme” — which was established by the Government of China under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the WTO on 14 July 2011. The China Programme aims to strengthen LDCs’ participation in the WTO and to assist acceding LDCs in joining the WTO.  The China Programme also funds: 1) a WTO Accession Round Table Meeting; and 2) LDCs’ participation in selected WTO meetings of particular interest to them.
Assignments given to interns are intended to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the WTO and of trade law, economics and policies more generally.  The need of the divisions is balanced with the capacity-building needs of the interns.  Interns are expected to assist the divisions in their normal work. They are supervised by a professional staff member of the WTO. 
Interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60 (including weekends and official holidays that occur within the selected periods).  In addition, travel expenses (economy class air fare) to and from Geneva are covered by the WTO.

How to apply 

Applicants for the China WTO Accession Internship Programme should have completed their undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, law, political science, international relations or in other subjects relevant to the WTO), and should have completed at least one year of postgraduate studies.  Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old.  The candidates should make their online application to the WTO Internship Programme. In addition, candidates should send a separate email to ChinaProgramme@wto.org to indicate their interest in the Internship Programme.