The aim of the NTP is to assist in the economic and social development of least developed countries (LDCs), low-income countries, and comparable poor, small and vulnerable economies in areas related to trade policy, and to provide junior public officials with the opportunity to learn about matters dealt with within the WTO, under the direction of staff members of the WTO. Under the terms of the agreement, particular attention is given to African countries. On average, 15 participants can be accommodated per year.

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Main Objectives 

The main objective of the Programme is to generate tangible and measurable results including through:

• building sustainable capacity in beneficiary countries, by providing officials with an opportunity to directly participate in the WTO's work in Geneva;
• providing exposure to ongoing activities in the Secretariat, which will assist officials in enhancing their understanding of the functioning of the WTO and the Multilateral Trading System (MTS), and providing relevant policy advice to the governments;
• facilitating the implementation of Member's commitments in the WTO;

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Terms and Conditions 

The candidates will spend a total period of up to ten months with the WTO Secretariat and will be expected to complete specific and well-defined tasks in that period in conformity with the objectives of the Programme. Tasks will need to have specific relevance for the beneficiary country in terms of capacity building and/or in the work programme of the WTO, including any ongoing negotiations, and will be defined prior to the beginning of the programme. By way of illustration, these tasks can include:

• undertaking a “needs assessment” for identifying priorities for technical assistance and training, based on the Guidelines established by the Secretariat to that effect;
• fulfilling outstanding notification obligations and, for recently acceded Members, assisting in the implementation of commitments;
• assisting acceding countries in their process of accession;
• assisting in the preparation of Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs);
• undertaking other tasks which would contribute to a better and fuller participation of their respective country in the MTS; and,
• assisting WTO Divisions in specific tasks, with the exception of dispute settlement proceedings.

The participants shall not be assigned to regular staff posts and shall be considered as supplementary staff within the Organization.

The participants shall be subject, for the duration of their assignment, to the Staff Regulations and Rules applicable to the WTO Secretariat, including “The Standards of Conduct”, as set out in the letters of appointment issued by the Organization.

The participants shall be subject to the authority of the Director-General and shall be ultimately responsible to him/her in the exercise of their duties.

How to apply?

Following a call for candidates to eligible beneficiary Members and Observers, through their Permanent Missions to the WTO, applications should be submitted electronically to the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), as specified in the letter of invitation, with:

• a curriculum vitae (CV),
• a letter of motivation,
• specific indications of the tasks that the candidates would like to perform,
• a short biography of 150 words,
• a letter of support from the nominating national authority and/or a letter of support from the Permanent Mission is required.

Incomplete files will not be considered. Given the budget of the programme, and the need to provide appropriate guidance and supervision to the participants, the total number of NTPs shall not exceed 18 per year.

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Selection and Nomination 

Candidacies will be reviewed by a WTO selection committee.

As the NTP is considered to be the highest level of learning, with a particular focus on the direct application of skills, the selection committee will carefully review the qualifications of each of the candidates. Priority will be given to those who have completed the Advanced Trade Policy Course or the Regional Trade Policy Course, as well as the number of e-learning courses completed and other WTO training.

In addition, feedback will be sought from WTO trainers on the performance of the candidate during the courses, in order to retain the highest qualified officials who can make the most useful contribution to attain the objectives of the programme.

The selection committee will endeavour to maintain geographical and gender balance, and will give priority to LDC candidates and those from Africa, in line with the MOU.

Countries in Category III (for Members) or Category II (for Observers) of the WTO Administrative Memorandum on Members or Observers in Arreas are not eligible for the programme.

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Terms of Service  

The participants will receive a monthly lump sum (CHF 5,000) and the Letter of Appointment will include appropriate information concerning the programme and the conditions of work. Participants shall be appointed for a period of up to ten months. There is no expectation of renewal or extension of the long-term placement programme, or conversion into another form of WTO contract. Participants would be working like other WTO staff members and carry out tasks and duties assigned to them. The participants shall be subject to supervision by a professional staff member of the Secretariat.