HR Policy 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 policy 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 HRD Compensation and Benefits, Policy, and Insurance Section in the review, development and implementation of HR policies by: 1. Supporting policy review and drafting: • Assisting in analysing existing HR policies to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring updates. • Contributing to the drafting and revision of HR policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures. 2. Benchmarking HR practices across international organizations: • Conducting research and comparative analysis of HR policies and practices in other international and intergovernmental organizations. • Preparing benchmarking reports highlighting trends, best practices, and opportunities for alignment. 3. Supporting policy implementation and communication: • Assisting in preparing communication materials, fact sheets, presentations and explanatory notes. • Supporting the organisation of information sessions, workshops and meetings. 4. Research, data collection and analysis: • Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research to support policy development. • Compiling data, summarising findings and drafting briefs. 5. Stakeholder engagement and coordination: • Assisting in liaising with HR colleagues, the Office of the Legal Counsel, the Staff Council and other internal stakeholders. 6. Administrative and logistical support: • Supporting meeting logistics, drafting agendas, taking notes and tracking action points. 7. Performing other duties as required in support of the HR Policy Team. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a postgraduate programme in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, International Relations, Organizational Development or another related field. • University degree in a related discipline is desirable. • Specialisation in employment policy, labour law, HR governance or organisational policy is an asset. Knowledge and Skills: • Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesise complex information. • Demonstrated interest in HR policy, governance frameworks, or organisational management. • Ability to conduct benchmarking and comparative research on HR practices. • Excellent drafting skills in English. • Strong organisational skills and ability to multitask. • Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau, Power BI) is desirable. • Familiarity with HR information systems is an advantage. Languages: • Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. • Working knowledge of French and/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.