HR Legal Intern

Application Deadline: 31-03-2026 Contract Type: WTO-Interns - Standard Contract Duration: 6 Months 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 HR legal intern position in the Compensation & Benefits, Policy and Insurance Section, within the Human Resources Division. General Functions Under the general supervision of the Head of Compensation and Benefits, Policy, and Insurance Section and the direct supervision of the Division's Legal Advisor, the intern will support the Section in matters related to administrative law, employment law, and the institutional law of international organizations by: 1. Supporting legal research and analysis: Conducting legal research on administrative law, employment law, staff regulations, disciplinary procedures, privileges and immunities, and internal justice systems of international organizations. Summarizing jurisprudence relevant to HR policies and administrative decision‑making. 2. Assisting in drafting and reviewing legal documents: Drafting and reviewing legal instruments, policies, SOPs, and briefs. Preparing legal opinions, notes, and analyses. 3. Supporting case preparation for internal justice processes: Collecting facts, documentation, and background materials for internal appeals or tribunal matters. Preparing case summaries and chronologies. 4. Benchmarking legal frameworks and HR practices: Conducting comparative analysis of legal frameworks across international organizations. Preparing benchmarking reports highlighting legal standards and best practices. 5. Supporting legal aspects of policy implementation: Reviewing implementation of HR policies for compliance with administrative law. Drafting explanatory notes, FAQs, and communication materials. 6. Stakeholder engagement and coordination: Supporting consultations with HR units, the Office of the Legal Counsel and other stakeholders. Taking meeting notes and following up on actions. 7. Administrative and logistical support: Assisting in organizing legal briefings and training sessions. Supporting legal file management. 8. Performing other legal duties as required. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Enrolled in or recently completed a postgraduate Law programme (administrative law, employment/labour law, international institutional law, or public international law). University degree in Law required; specialization in international civil service law is an asset. Knowledge and Skills: Strong analytical and legal research skills. Ability to interpret statutes, internal regulations, and case law. Ability to summarise complex legal issues clearly. Excellent drafting skills in English. Ability to work independently and handle confidential information. Knowledge of legal research tools is an advantage. Languages: Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage. 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. The WTO Secretariat employs over 600 staff from around 80 WTO member countries. Staff roles include dispute settlement lawyers, legal officers, trade policy analysts and specialists, research economists and statisticians, who help to ensure that trade negotiations progress smoothly and that the rules of international trade are correctly implemented. Other roles include press officers, translators and interpreters, professionals in finance, IT, HR, etc. who support the mission of the WTO.