Wanted: Young, dynamic, hard-working individuals with an interest in trade and a yearning for learning to work at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for one year. A love of adventure and a positive attitude is required!
On 06 April 2021, the WTO announced that it is welcoming applications for its 2022 Young Professionals Programme (YPP), which allows qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) to enhance their knowledge regarding WTO and international trade issues. The YPP 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 YPP selection gives preference to young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO and whose nationals are currently under-represented or not represented in the WTO's Secretariat. The programme is part of the WTO Secretariat’s overall goal to increase its diversity to better reflect the make-up of its membership.
Candidates up to the age of 32, as of 01 January 2022, from eligible countries are invited to submit their application by 29 April 2021. The selected candidates will work at the WTO Secretariat for one year, starting in January 2022.
Nearly 60 professionals have participated in the programme since it was launched in 2017.
Story by: Riaan de Lange