Internships

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION INTERNSHIP FOR POSTGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Deadline: Unspecified

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Type of work: Internship

Internship

The WTO Secretariat maintains a limited internship programme for post-graduate university students wishing to gain practical experience and deeper knowledge of the multilateral trading system. Only a limited number of such internship posts is available.

As part of the internship programme, we also offer the WTO Accessions Internship Programme

(http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/acc_internship_e.htm), sponsored by the Government of China, within the framework of the MOU on the “China’s LDCs and Accessions Programme” established in July 2011. Four internship positions are available on an annual basis under this Programme.

Interested candidates should follow the procedures and conform to the eligibility criteria set out below.

Intake to the programme is on a continuing basis, with no specific recruitment period. There is no opening or closing date for applications.

Duration:  Up to a maximum of six months. 

General Functions

Assignments given to interns are intended to enhance interns’ knowledge and understanding of the WTO and of trade policy more generally. However, the needs of the Division recruiting an intern will be paramount in determining the precise nature of assignments.

RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR INTERNS

Eligibility:

Interns are recruited from among nationals of WTO Member states and of Observer governments.

Interns will have completed their undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, law, political science, international relations), and shall have completed at least one year of their postgraduate studies.

The minimum age for an intern shall be 21 years and the maximum age 30 years.

A roster of suitable candidates is maintained from which interns are selected. In addition to the regular internship programme, the need may also arise to recruit interns at short notice for particular tasks. These recruits will also be drawn from the roster. Names will not be maintained on the roster for longer than one year.

Contractual Terms and Conditions:

Paid interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60 (including week-ends and official holidays falling within the selected period). No other remuneration of any kind shall be paid.

Internships take place in Geneva, Switzerland only. Travel expenses to and from Geneva cannot be paid by the WTO, and such travel is not covered by the Organization’s insurance. Interns are also responsible for their own insurance cover for illness and accidents while they are working at the WTO.

Internships are for a minimum of three months and up to a maximum of six months in total and are dependent on the needs of Divisions. Internships will not be extended further than six months. Depending on Divisional needs, an internship may be split between two Divisions (3 months and no less in each Division and not exceeding six months in total). In this case, the two internship assignments may be carried out at different times and not consecutively, as long as the applicant meets all the requirements for internship as per the “Eligibility” criteria set out above. It is not permissible to return to the programme at a later date after completing a full six month internship programme. An internship does not, in any way, entail the right to a vacancy in another part of the Secretariat. Interns may, nevertheless, apply to external vacancies. Internships may commence at any time during the year.

An internship may be terminated by the WTO Secretariat or by the intern with one week’s notice.

The Director responsible for an intern will write an evaluation report at the end of the internship, and the intern will also be required to evaluate the internship. Both evaluations will be placed on file.

An agreement will be established between the intern and the Director of the Human Resources Division, specifying the conditions of service and details of any remuneration.

While working at the WTO, interns are not considered as officials or staff members, however, they shall be bound by the same duties and obligations as regular staff members. Interns are expected to work full-time and to carry out the duties assigned to them by their supervisor. Working remotely is not an option.

Interns must come with their own health insurance plan, including illness and accident, which covers them in Switzerland for the duration of the internship.

On commencing the internship and as applicable depending on their nationality and any Swiss residence permit they may hold, interns may be issued with a Swiss legitimation card “H” which serves as a work and residence permit for the duration of their internship. Please make sure to visit this link which explains the responsibilities of holders of such a card:

https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non%20fonctionnaires%20et%20stagiaires.html

For more information> https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e.htm

admin

African Union Commission Scholar || Founder @ Youth Opportunities Hub || Former RBA COST/Sahel Team at UNDP || TEF Alumni ||

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