The World Trade Organization invites postgraduate students with knowledge of WTO law to apply for a six-month internship in its Legal Affairs Division in Geneva, Switzerland.
About the World Trade Organization
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organisation that deals with the rules of trade between nations. Its Secretariat supports the implementation of international trade agreements, trade negotiations and the resolution of trade disputes.
The WTO Secretariat employs professionals across legal affairs, trade policy, economics, statistics, communications, finance, information technology and other functions.
About the Opportunity
The WTO Secretariat is inviting applications for a full-time internship in its Legal Affairs Division, with the internship scheduled to begin in 2027. Under the supervision of a designated legal officer, the selected intern will assist with legal research, analysis, dispute settlement support, publications and training activities.
The internship will provide exposure to WTO law, international trade dispute settlement, legal advice and general public international law.
Duration
Three to six months, with the advertised position intended for six months. Extensions are not permitted.
Start Date
- The specific commencement date has not been provided.
Mode
Full-time, with work carried out in Geneva, Switzerland.
Location
Geneva, Switzerland.
Stipend
Paid interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60, including weekends and official holidays falling within the selected internship period. No additional remuneration is provided.
The allowance is intended to supplement living expenses. Interns must arrange and fund their own travel to and from Geneva and maintain their own insurance cover for illness and accidents.
Roles & Responsibilities
Legal Advice and Analysis
- Assist in preparing legal advice and analysing substantive issues concerning WTO law and general public international law.
- Support legal work relating to WTO dispute settlement proceedings.
Dispute Settlement Support
- Provide administrative, organisational and logistical support to WTO dispute settlement panels.
Legal Research and Publications
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- Conduct supervised legal research on substantive and procedural legal issues, including treaty interpretation and general public international law.
- Contribute to WTO publications, reports, statistical materials and analytical work relating to WTO law and dispute settlement.
Training and Capacity Building
- Assist in developing and preparing training activities, presentations and educational materials on WTO law and dispute settlement procedures.
- Support the delivery of internal and external training programmes.
Collaboration and Administrative Support
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Legal Affairs Division on ongoing projects and assignments.
- Assist with other tasks assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the Division’s work.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the WTO’s general internship eligibility requirements and the specific qualifications for the Legal Affairs Division position.
- Must be a national of a WTO member state or a country or customs territory engaged in WTO accession negotiations.
- Must have completed undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline.
- Must be at least 21 years old at the time of the internship.
- Must currently be enrolled in a master’s programme and have completed at least one year; or have completed a master’s degree and be enrolled in a higher-level postgraduate programme, including doctoral studies; or have completed a master’s or doctoral degree within the two years preceding selection.
- Must hold a degree leading to admission to legal practice, normally an LL.B. or JD.
- Must have completed at least one year of postgraduate studies.
- Must demonstrate specific knowledge of and/or experience in WTO law.
- Must have fluent spoken and written English.
- Knowledge of French and/or Spanish will be considered an advantage.
- Must not have previously undertaken an internship with the WTO.
- Must not be related to anyone currently working at the WTO.
- Must not be a government official or a law firm associate unless they resign from their respective position.
Candidates should also demonstrate strong legal research, analytical and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse professional and national backgrounds.
Application Deadline
The announcement lists November 8, 2026, as the application deadline, while the recruitment page separately states November 9, 2026, as the end date. Applicants should verify the deadline on the official application portal and submit their applications before the earlier date. The announcement specifies that applications will not be accepted after the applicable closing time.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should apply through the official WTO recruitment portal.
Applicants are required to:
- Complete the online application and answer the questions provided.
- Upload a current CV in English, not exceeding two single-sided pages.
- Submit a cover letter in English of no more than one single-sided page, explaining their motivation, potential contribution to the Office of the Rector, and career goals in relation to the programme.
- Complete and upload the required application and funding forms.
- Arrange for two letters of recommendation from suitable referees. At least one referee is expected to be a professor familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities. Referees must submit their letters directly to the designated email address using official institutional, academic or corporate email accounts.
The application page specifies that recommendation letters must be emailed to ro_internship@unu.edu. However, this address and the Office of the Rector instructions appear to belong to a different internship programme. Applicants should follow the instructions on the official WTO application portal for this position and verify any document requirements before submission.
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