Internship in the Financial Management Section

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 Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill an intern position in the Administration and General Services Division to gain experience in Financial Management. The duration of the internship is for six months.

General Functions

The intern will have the following opportunities:

1) participate in, and assist with, the day-to-day operations of the Budget and Finance Section. The WTO uses Oracle software (ERP system) for its financial management and reporting.

2) analyse cost structures and develop cost-accounting procedures.

3) participate in the documentation of procedures and drafting of policies related to accounting & control and Travel expenses.

4) contribute to miscellaneous projects to be defined based on the needs of the section.

5) Processes transactions in Oracle as required and run analytical reports or metrics on activity within various Units (Budget, Travel, Trust Funds).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Interns will have completed their undergraduate studies in the administration, accounting, and control disciplines and shall have completed at least one year of their postgraduate studies.

Knowledge and skills

Basic accounting knowledge (double entry); good command of excel; knowledge of VBA would be desirable; analytical and problem-solving skills are an asset. 

Languages:

Excellent speaking and writing skills in English or French. A good working level in the other language would be an asset.

RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR INTERNS (the following may vary, depending on the programme, so it is best to check the above links for information on a particular programme)

Eligibility:

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

Interns shall have completed at least one year of their postgraduate studies (for example, Master's) in a relevant discipline (for example, economics, law, political science, international relations).

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

A roster of suitable candidates is maintained from which interns are selected. In addition to the internship programmes, the need may also arise to recruit interns at short notice for specific tasks. These recruits will also be drawn from the roster. Names will be maintained on the roster for one year and no more.

Contractual Terms and Conditions:

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.

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

Internships take place in Geneva, Switzerland. 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 responsible for their own insurance cover for illness and accidents for the duration of the internship.

Internships are for a minimum of three months and up to a maximum of six months in total with no extension, are dependent on the needs of Divisions, and may commence at any time during the year.  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, nor is it permissible to move from one programme to another following a six-month stint. 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 only.

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 from home in Geneva is not an option, except during COVID and following the guidance of the WTO Health Task Force.

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 type "H" which serves as a work and residence permit for the duration of their internship. This link explains the responsibilities of holders of such a card and careful note should be taken of the information provided therein.

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

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