Internship: Global Trade (part-time 80%) - IPU Division for Member Parliaments and External Relations

Duration: 10 months (part-time, January – October 2026)
Duty station: IPU Headquarters, Geneva
Supervisor: Senior Programme Officer, Secretary of the PCWTO and P20

1. Background

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) works to strengthen parliamentary engagement in multilateral processes, including international trade (through the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO – PCWTO) and sustainable development (through the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit – P20). These platforms bring together parliamentarians from around the world to exchange experiences, shape policy responses and contribute to global governance.
To support the effective delivery of activities under both the PCWTO and P20 workstreams, the IPU is seeking an intern to assist with research, coordination, event preparation, and follow-up to the decisions of the PCWTO Steering Committee.

2. Objectives of the Internship

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, Secretary of the PCWTO and P20, the intern will:

• Gain exposure to parliamentary diplomacy, multilateral processes, and policymaking in the areas of trade, sustainable development and the SDGs.
• Support the smooth planning, organization, and follow-up of PCWTO and P20 activities.
• Contribute to research, documentation and knowledge products that strengthen parliamentary engagement in the WTO and SDG processes.

3. Main responsibilities and tasks

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the intern will provide:

A. Research and analysis

• Conduct background research on trade-related parliamentary issues and WTO developments and liaise with Member Parliaments on the implementation of the PCWTO recommendations.
• Prepare briefing notes, fact sheets and talking points for meetings and events.
• Monitor and summarize relevant UN, WTO and intergovernmental processes and outcomes.

B. Event and meeting support

• Assist in the planning and organization of PCWTO sessions, P20 meetings, side events and related activities (in-person and virtual).
• Coordinate logistical arrangements with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare participant lists, background documents and meeting reports.

C. Communication and outreach

• Support the preparation of content for the IPU website, newsletters and social media related to PCWTO and P20.
• Maintain contact databases and mailing lists.

D. Documentation and follow-up

• Draft summaries, minutes and follow-up reports from events and meetings.
• Assist in tracking the implementation of recommendations and action points.

E. Administrative support

• Provide general administrative assistance to the programme team as needed.
• Support budget monitoring for specific activities (in coordination with finance staff).

4. Learning opportunities for the intern

The intern will:

• Gain direct exposure to multilateral diplomacy and parliamentary engagement in trade and sustainable development.
• Build knowledge of the WTO system, SDG follow-up mechanisms and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
• Develop practical skills in event organization, policy analysis and communications.
• Work in a multicultural, multilingual environment with colleagues from around the world.

5. Qualifications and competencies

• University degree (completed or in progress) in international relations, political science, law, economics, development studies, or a related field.
• Strong research and drafting skills in English; knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an asset.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with online meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams).

Duration of internship

The contract will run from January to October 2026 at 80%. 

Location

The internship will be carried out at IPU Headquarters in Geneva

Remuneration

The IPU will pay the intern a monthly allowance of CHF 1,200 (part-time).