The WTO is welcoming applications for its 2022 Young Professionals Programme (YPP). The YPP allows qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed countries to enhance their knowledge regarding WTO and international trade issues. It is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience which can help open the door for future professional opportunities in the field of multilateral diplomacy and global trade.

The WTO seeks Young, dynamic, hard-working individuals with an interest in trade and a yearning for learning to work at the WTO for one year. Besides, candidates who have a love of adventure and a positive attitude can apply.

Moreover, there are some attractive remuneration and benefits to successive applicants. Participants under the program receive a monthly salary of CHF 3,500. The WTO also provides appropriate medical cover and travel costs.

Eligibility

Meanwhile, the YPP selection gives preference to young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO. It also gives preference to candidates whose nationals are currently under-represented or not represented in the organization’s Secretariat. The program is part of the Secretariat’s overall goal to increase its diversity to better reflect the make-up of its membership.

Moreover, the WTO seeks candidates up to the age of 32, as of 1 January 2022, from the eligible countries. The deadline for the submission of applications is April 29, 2021. The selected candidates will work at the WTO Secretariat for one year, starting in January 2022.

The 2021 cadre of Young Professionals includes 14 professionals. The candidates were from Bangladesh, Belize, Dominican Republic, Eswatini, Guatemala, Georgia, and Indonesia. The other countries included Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. More than 2,400 candidates took part in a competitive selection process. Meanwhile, nearly 60 professionals have participated in the program since it was launched in 2017.

The Young Professionals Program

The WTO launched the Young Professionals Program in 2016. This created an opportunity for young professionals from WTO’s member countries which are either developing or least-developed.

The YPP provides a unique opportunity for qualified young professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills on WTO and international trade issues. The selected young professionals are allocated to various divisions of the WTO Secretariat based on their qualifications and the needs of the division. The areas of work may include accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, and intellectual property rights.

Also, the areas include market access, media and external relations, WTO rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation. Also, some of the professionals will serve under trade policy analysis and trade-related technical assistance divisions.

Furthermore, the WTO noted that applicants interested in the YPP program will find further details on a dedicated information page. Moreover, the WTO indicated that interested candidates can access an online application form on the WTO e-Recruitment website. The WTO stated that candidates must submit their applications after completion no later than 29 April 2021.