Application Deadline:
08-11-2026
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.
The WTO Internship Programme is open to post-graduate students from all WTO members and countries or customs territories engaged in accession negotiations - WTO Internship Programme
The WTO Secretariat is seeking to fill a six-month internship position in the Legal Affairs Division (start date in 2027).
Under the supervision of a designated legal officer, the intern will support the work of the Legal Affairs Division of the WTO across a range of substantive legal, research, analytical, and administrative activities.
The intern will work collaboratively with colleagues throughout the Division, contributing to different projects and assignments relating to WTO law, dispute settlement, and general public international law. The internship will provide exposure to the legal and institutional work of the WTO, including the provision of legal advice, the functioning of WTO dispute settlement mechanisms, and the preparation of legal research, publications, and training materials.
General Functions
Under the guidance and supervision of legal officers within the Division, the intern will:
1. Legal advice and analysis: Assist in the preparation of legal advice and analysis on substantive issues of WTO law and general public international law, including in the context of WTO dispute settlement proceedings.
2. Dispute settlement support: Provide administrative, organizational, and logistical support to WTO dispute settlement panels.
3. Publications and analytical work: Contribute to the preparation of WTO publications, statistical materials, reports, and analyses relating to WTO law, dispute settlement, and the work of the Division.
4. Training and capacity building: Assist in the development, preparation, and delivery of internal and external training activities, presentations, and educational materials on WTO law and dispute settlement procedures.
5. Legal research: Undertake independent legal research, under appropriate supervision, on a range of substantive and procedural legal issues, including treaty interpretation, procedural law, and questions of general public international law.
6. Collaboration and project support: Work with different colleagues within the Division on a variety of assignments and projects, contributing to the Division's ongoing legal, analytical, and institutional activities.
7. Other duties: Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor, consistent with the work and functions of the Division.
Required Qualifications
A candidate must:
not be a government official, unless the candidate resigns from his or her post;
not be a law firm associate, unless the candidate resigns from his or her post;
have done no prior internship with the WTO;
not be related to anyone currently working at the WTO;
hold a degree leading to admission to practice law (normally an LL.B or a JD); have at least one year of post-graduate studies; and have specific knowledge and/or experience of WTO Law.
have effective spoken and written communication skills in English (fluency). Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.
RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR INTERNS
Eligibility:
A candidate must:
be a national of a WTO member state or a country or customs territory engaged in accession negotiations
have completed his/her undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline;
either:
be currently enrolled in a master's degree with at least one year completed; or
have completed a master's degree programme and be enrolled in a higher-level postgraduate programme (including doctoral studies); or
have completed a postgraduate degree (master's degree or PHD) within the past two years at the time of selection; and
be at least 21…