INT22-2

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. It provides capital based mid-level public officials with a minimum of 5 years of working experience on WTO issues, and the opportunity to learn more about the overall WTO work programme under the direction of staff members of the WTO Secretariat. Particular consideration is given to African countries and to gender equality. Candidates should typically be between 30 and 45 years of age. Selected interns will spend a total period of up to ten months with the WTO. Participants will be expected to complete specific and well defined tasks in that period in conformity with the objectives of the NTP. Tasks will need to have relevance for the beneficiary country in terms of capacity building in the WTO work programme, including on-going negotiations. The tasks will be defined at the beginning of the internship. The tasks will be reviewed and established in close co-operation with the Head of the TA Coordination, Internships Programmes and Partnership Section and the relevant regional desks in ITTC. The selection committee will endeavour to ensure to maintain a regional and gender balance and give priority to LDC candidates.