Category Archives: master’s

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME

Application Deadline: May 7, 2026

LOCATION: Switzerland

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency, and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking candidates for THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME for 2027.

ELIGIBILITY:

The WTO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a unique opportunity for qualified young professionals up to the age of 32 years, as at 1 January 2027, from WTO Members with low or no professional representation in the WTO Secretariat, to enhance their knowledge of WTO and skills in international trade issues. The Programme aims to widen the pool of professionals from these WTO Members, with the ultimate goal of broadening their representation in the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. Further information on the YPP can be found on the WTO website at https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/ypp_e.htm.

Education: Advanced university degree in economics, econometrics, international relations, law, environmental studies, or other trade-related subjects relevant to the work of the WTO (e.g., international investment law, trade and gender, etc.). Applicants must have obtained their advanced university degree by the time they submit their application.

Knowledge and Skills:

General knowledge of the work of the WTO.

Technical knowledge in one or more of the areas of work indicated above.

Good drafting skills in English. Ability to draft in French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.

Demonstrated strong interest in international trade and the multilateral trading system.

Commitment and passion for trade or WTO-related work.

Work Experience: Minimum two (2) years of professional experience relevant to the work of the WTO.

Languages: Fluency in English. A good working knowledge of either French or Spanish would be an advantage.

Information: Preference shall be given to nationals from WTO Members without any representation as well as from developing and least developed countries (LDCs) Members with low representation (up to three staff members) at the professional level in the Secretariat (list below). Priority will be given to WTO Members from developing and LDCs that have no representation and have not participated in previous cohorts of the YPP (marked with an asterisk in the list below). 

Albania, Angola, Armenia, Kingdom of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin*, Plurinational State of Bolivia*, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam*, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde*, Cambodia, Chile, Comoros*, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, Djibouti*, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon*, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong China, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the State of Kuwait*, Kyrgyz Republic*, Lao People’s Democratic Republic*, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macao China, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar*, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger*, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar*, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis*, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa*, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone*, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands*, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname*, Chinese Taipei, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste*, Togo, Tonga*, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates*, Uruguay, Vanuatu*, Viet Nam, Yemen*, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to this Programme.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date—Geneva (Switzerland) time—stated in the vacancy announcement.

BENEFIT:

Monthly Salary: CHF4,000

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FULLY FUNDED 2027 SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME.

Application Deadline: September 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT

LOCATION: China

Every year, a new class is selected to represent the world’s next generation of leaders — high-caliber individuals with open minds and limitless potential who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Schwarzman Scholars are selected from an international pool of distinguished candidates. Prospective scholars are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional results in their field, and outstanding leadership qualities.

ELIGIBILITY:

In addition to demonstrating extraordinary leadership skills, the ability to anticipate and act on trends and changes in their context, strong intellectual capacity, and exemplary character, candidates must meet the following criteria.

Must have an undergraduate degree

Must be 18-28 years of age

Must be proficient in the English language

The U.S. and Global application for the class of 2027-2028 is now open from April 8, 2026 to September 9, 2026 at 3 p.m. EDT.

The application must be completed online and submitted electronically once you have answered all the required questions. The application form must be completed in English. You do not have to complete the online application in one sitting; you may access, save, and continue work on your application as frequently as needed before submitting the application.

A current version of your resume or CV (maximum 2 pages).

The two required essays are a Leadership Essay (750 words) and a Statement of Purpose (500 words). The essays are a critical component of the application, designed to help the selection committee understand you as an individual and get a sense of your leadership abilities/potential, as well as your writing and analytical skills.

You are required to scan and upload official transcripts for each degree-granting post-secondary education institution you attended.

Recommenders should know you well and be able to speak to your intellectual abilities, personal characteristics, and leadership potential using specific examples from their direct experience working with you.

Provide a short video self-introduction of no more than 1 minute. Introduce yourself in any style or setting you think best conveys your interests and personality. The point of this recording is to allow the committee to hear you introduce yourself in your own voice and style.

BENEFIT:

There is no fee associated with applying to the program. Interview expenses, such as economy class air or train travel, group meals, and one night in a hotel if needed, are arranged and covered by the program. Expenses for Schwarzman Scholars are also fully covered by the program, including the following: tuition, fees, room and board, travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year, in-country study tours, required course books and supplies, a Lenovo laptop, health insurance, and a personal stipend.

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