The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened nominations for the second edition of its Youth Talent Incubator Programme, a capacity-building initiative for young researchers and professionals working at the intersection of international trade and gender equality.
The programme is designed to strengthen the next generation of professionals working on trade and gender issues through mentorship, applied research, capacity building and professional networking.
The second edition will run from 12 October 2026 to 30 June 2027 and will be delivered entirely online. Up to 35 nominees will be selected.
About the WTO Youth Talent Incubator Programme
The Youth Talent Incubator Programme was developed to address the need for stronger gender-focused expertise in international trade.
The first edition followed the momentum created by the Youth Trade Summit on Gender, which brought together young professionals from academia, research and government to discuss the relationship between trade and gender.
The WTO’s Trade and Gender Office developed the programme in collaboration with the WTO Gender Research Hub. Its focus is on helping young professionals connect research with policy and develop practical approaches to gender-responsive trade.
The second edition builds on the first programme and will continue to support young talent working on trade and gender issues.
Programme structure
- Pillar 1: Mentorship
Personalized career mentorship sessions led by experienced professionals, with activities such as idea labs, role-playing scenarios, one-on-one mentoring, and career story sharing. - Pillar 2: Capacity building
Practical training in economic research, policy drafting, and effective communication on trade and gender through targeted workshops. - Pillar 3: Networking
Virtual networking, peer exchanges, and career sessions connecting participants with experts, fostering collaboration, and building professional networks in trade and gender.
ELIGIBILITY
The programme is targeted at young researchers and professionals between 20 and 35 years old.
Applicants should:
- Be between 20 and 35 years old.
- Currently work on trade and gender, or demonstrate an interest in incorporating trade and gender issues into their existing work.
- Be young researchers working in academia, think tanks, research foundations, research centres or policy research organisations; or be young professionals working in government.
- Submit a motivation letter and complete the online application form.
- Obtain formal endorsement from their academic or research institution.
The programme is global, meaning eligible candidates are not restricted to a particular country or region.
For African researchers and professionals working on issues such as women’s economic participation, trade policy, entrepreneurship, market access or gender-responsive development, the programme provides an opportunity to develop expertise in an area that connects research and policymaking.
Programme Format and Cost
The second edition will be conducted entirely online, allowing selected participants to take part without relocating to Geneva or another physical programme location.
Participation is free of charge.
The programme will run for more than eight months, from 12 October 2026 to 30 June 2027
Application Deadline :24 September 2026
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
