Are you passionate about trade law, economics, or global governance? The World Trade Organization (WTO) offers prestigious postgraduate internships and occasional Office Assistant roles—both located in Geneva. Internships provide exposure to core WTO functions such as trade policy, accession processes, statistics, and more, while Assistant roles offer vital support in administrative and operational areas.
About WTO Internships
The WTO runs three key internship tracks:
- Standard Internship Programme (up to 6 months) with a CHF 60/day allowance; open to post-graduate students from member or accession states
- China Accessions & General Internship Programme (up to 10 months) for nationals of least‑developed or developing countries, with CHF 90/day, travel covered, and CHF 100/month health insurance subsidy
- PhD Internship Programme (3–6 months) for doctoral candidates in developing countries; includes travel coverage and CHF 60/day allowance
Intern tasks may involve economic research, trade data analysis, policy drafting, or administrative work supporting finance, HR, communications, or IT functions.
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About Assistant Roles
Occasionally, the WTO also posts fixed-term Office Assistant positions (e.g. Grade 4) in Geneva, responsible for reception, scheduling, travel coordination, document handling, and vendor services. These roles typically include a two-year contract with a salary of around CHF 69,500.
Who Should Apply?
Internships: Candidates aged 21–30 with an undergraduate degree and at least one year of postgraduate studies in relevant fields (e.g. economics, law, IR). Nationals from WTO member or accession states are eligible; specific programmes target developing country nationals.
Office Assistant: Requires a degree or equivalent with several years of administrative experience, strong organizational skills, and fluency in English (French or other UN languages are advantageous).
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Why Apply
Joining WTO as an intern offers rare access to global trade governance, expert networks, and practical insight into international agreements and negotiations. Assistant roles provide foundational exposure to administration in a high-level multilateral context—both paths enrich your CV and broaden your global development perspective.
Also read:
- ICJ Assistant Roles 2025 | Administrative & Legal Support at The Hague Court
- ICC Internship & Visiting Professional Programme 2025 | Entry‑Level & Mid‑Career International Justice Placements
- UN Women Home-Based Consultant Opportunities 2025
- UNICEF Assistant Roles 2025 | Multiple Assistant-Level Career Opportunities Globally
How to Apply
Submit your internship application (or search for Office Assistant vacancies) via WTO’s official careers portal. Internship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates may be placed on a roster:
👉 https://www.wto.org/careers
Conclusion
Whether as an intern or assistant, the WTO offers strong pathways into trade policy and support roles—providing global exposure, technical experience, and institutional credibility at a leading international organization.
Tip
When applying, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect an understanding of WTO’s work—mention division-specific interests (e.g. trade law, statistics), relevant coursework or language skills, and highlight your motivation to support global trade governance.
Boost your global trade credentials with a role at the WTO. #WTOInternship
