The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is inviting applications for a Category II Internship within its Composite Indicator Research Section, Department for Economics and Data Analytics (DEDA), under the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES).
This six-month internship will be based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and is designed for qualified candidates with an academic background in economics, data science or a related field who have strong interests in statistical analysis, econometrics, data visualization, innovation economics and policy research.
The selected intern will contribute to major WIPO research publications, including the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2027 and the World Intangible Investment Highlights (WIIH) 2027.
The internship is expected to begin on January 4, 2027, and provides a monthly stipend of CHF 2,170, together with medical insurance, annual leave and sick leave benefits.
The application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.
About the WIPO Internship Program
The WIPO Internship Program is designed to help students and recent graduates complement their academic education with practical professional experience in an international organisation.
Through participation in the workplace, interns can apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects while developing professional skills and competencies.
The programme also provides opportunities for learning through:
- Practical work experience.
- Exposure to an international working environment.
- Supervision and feedback from experienced colleagues.
- Technical mentoring.
- Structured courses and learning programmes where available.
- Experience working within the United Nations common system.
For candidates interested in international organisations, economics, innovation, data analytics and public policy, this internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience while working on internationally relevant research and publications.
About the Host Department
This internship is hosted by the Composite Indicator Research Section within the Department for Economics and Data Analytics (DEDA) of WIPO’s IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES).
The intern will work under the supervision of the Head of the Composite Indicator Research Section.
The section’s work involves economic and data analysis, including research associated with innovation and intangible investment.
The internship therefore combines several areas, including:
- Economics
- Statistics
- Data analytics
- Econometrics
- Innovation research
- Economic publications
- Data visualization
- Policy research
- Digital communications
Main Objectives of the Internship
The internship has several key objectives.
Apply Academic Knowledge
The intern will have an opportunity to apply knowledge of economics, statistics and data analytics to practical work involving economic publications and policymaking.
This means the internship is not purely administrative. Candidates will be expected to contribute analytical skills to research and publication-related activities.
Receive Technical Supervision and Mentoring
The intern will work under the guidance of experienced WIPO staff.
This provides an opportunity to receive technical supervision and mentoring while developing practical research and analytical skills.
Gain United Nations System Experience
The internship provides experience working within a United Nations common system organization.
This can give successful candidates exposure to the working environment, processes and professional standards of an international organisation.
Key Research Projects
The successful intern will contribute to work associated with two major publications.
Global Innovation Index 2027
One of the primary areas of work will be the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2027.
The Global Innovation Index is associated with research and analysis concerning innovation performance.
The intern may contribute analytical inputs and other research-related activities supporting the preparation of the 2027 edition.
This can provide practical experience in using data and economic analysis to support an internationally recognised research publication.
World Intangible Investment Highlights 2027
The intern will also contribute to the World Intangible Investment Highlights (WIIH) 2027.
This work focuses on measuring investment in intangible assets and communicating findings through research publications and related materials.
The combination of the GII and WIIH projects means that the intern can gain exposure to economic research, data analysis, innovation and intangible investment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of the Composite Indicator Research Section, the intern will contribute to several areas of work.
1. Research and Analytical Contributions
The intern will provide analytical inputs to the production of:
- Global Innovation Index 2027.
- World Intangible Investment Highlights 2027.
This may involve working with economic and statistical information and supporting research used in the preparation of the publications.
2. Data Visualization
The intern will provide support for data visualization.
This is particularly relevant for candidates interested in communicating complex datasets and economic findings through clear and accessible visual formats.
Applicants with experience using modern data visualization tools may therefore have an advantage.
3. Social Media and Website Content
The intern will also support the preparation of content for:
- WIPO’s social media platforms.
- The WIPO website.
This work will be carried out under editorial guidance.
Candidates with experience creating digital content, drafting web content or preparing social media materials may therefore find this aspect of the internship particularly relevant.
4. Event Organisation
The intern will assist with the organisation of events connected to the two major publications.
Responsibilities may include preparing:
- Presentations.
- Talking points.
- Background materials.
- Other event-related documentation.
This provides exposure to the communication and event-management side of international research projects.
5. Logistical and Administrative Support
The intern may also perform other related tasks as required.
Examples include:
- Drafting invitations.
- Coordinating event logistics.
- Supporting administrative processes.
- Providing general logistical assistance related to research activities and events.
The internship therefore combines analytical, communication, research and organisational responsibilities.
Educational Requirements
The essential educational requirement is an:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree) in economics, data science or a related field.
Candidates should therefore have an appropriate postgraduate academic background relevant to the work of the Composite Indicator Research Section.
Relevant academic areas may include economics, data science and related disciplines where the candidate has developed strong quantitative, analytical or research capabilities.
Statistical and Programming Experience
Applicants must have experience using specialised software and programming languages for statistical or econometric analysis.
The announcement specifically highlights:
- R
- Python
Experience with either R, Python or both is therefore particularly relevant to the position.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical experience using these tools for statistical analysis, econometric work, data processing or related research activities.
Data Visualization Skills
Familiarity with modern data visualization tools is an essential requirement.
Applicants should also have an interest in developing their data visualization skills further.
This suggests that candidates should be comfortable working with data and interested in transforming analytical findings into understandable visual outputs.
Desirable Skills and Experience
Several additional qualifications are listed as desirable rather than essential.
These include:
Applied Economics
Knowledge of or experience with applied economics is an advantage.
Candidates with experience applying economic concepts and analytical methods to real-world economic questions may therefore be particularly well suited.
Innovation Economics
Experience or knowledge of innovation economics is also desirable.
This is particularly relevant given the internship’s connection to the Global Innovation Index and WIPO’s broader work on innovation ecosystems.
Social Media and Web Content
Experience drafting content for social media and web use is another advantage.
Candidates who can combine technical research skills with strong digital communication abilities may therefore be able to contribute across several areas of the internship.
Communication Skills
The position also values:
- Strong oral communication.
- Strong written communication.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
The ability to communicate effectively is important because the intern will contribute to research publications, digital content, presentations and events.
Multicultural Working Environment
Candidates should have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Because WIPO is an international organisation, interns are expected to work respectfully and effectively with colleagues from different professional, cultural and national backgrounds.
Professional Integrity
Sound judgement and integrity are also listed among the desirable competencies.
Language Requirements
Excellent written and spoken English is an essential requirement.
Candidates must therefore be able to communicate effectively in English in both professional and written settings.
Knowledge of other official United Nations languages is desirable.
Additional UN languages may therefore strengthen an applicant’s profile, although they are not listed as essential.
Organisational Competencies
WIPO identifies several organisational competencies relevant to the internship.
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate effectively
- Show team spirit
- Demonstrate integrity
- Value diversity
- Produce results
- Show service orientation
- See the big picture
- Seek change and innovation
- Develop yourself and others
These competencies reflect the professional behaviours expected within the organisation.
Internship Duration
The internship has an expected duration of:
Six months
The internship may be renewed, subject to the applicable conditions.
The minimum duration is six months, while the maximum total duration is 12 months.
Expected Start Date
The expected start date is:
January 4, 2027
Candidates should therefore be prepared to undertake the internship from this date if selected.
Location and Remote Work
The internship will take place at:
WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Importantly, this internship cannot be carried out remotely.
The selected candidate will therefore need to work physically from WIPO’s headquarters in Geneva.
Internship Working Hours
The stipend stated in the vacancy is based on a full-time internship of 40 hours per week.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to commit to a full-time schedule for the duration of the internship.
Stipend and Benefits
The selected intern will receive a monthly stipend of:
CHF 2,170
In addition to the stipend, the internship provides:
- Medical insurance.
- Annual leave.
- Sick leave benefits.
The stipend amount applies to the full-time 40-hour-per-week internship.
The internship is therefore a paid opportunity rather than an unpaid placement.
Eligibility Requirements
This position falls under Category II of the WIPO Internship Program.
Under the eligibility rules provided in the opportunity, the following individuals may qualify:
Category II Eligibility
Option A: Students Pursuing Their First Advanced University Degree
Individuals who are pursuing their first advanced university degree may qualify if they have:
- Completed their coursework.
- Not yet completed their final thesis.
Option B: Individuals Pursuing a Subsequent Degree
Individuals who have already obtained their first advanced university degree and are currently pursuing a subsequent university degree may also qualify.
Option C: Recent Advanced Degree Graduates
Individuals who obtained their most recent advanced university degree less than two years before the date of their internship application may also qualify.
Applicants should carefully determine which of these three categories applies to their situation before applying.
Who Should Apply?
The internship is particularly suited to candidates who combine postgraduate academic training with practical quantitative and analytical skills.
A competitive candidate would ideally have:
- A master’s degree or qualifying advanced university degree in economics, data science or a related field.
- Experience with R and/or Python.
- Experience in statistical or econometric analysis.
- Familiarity with modern data visualization tools.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- An interest in economics, innovation, data analytics and policy research.
- Strong communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work in a multicultural environment.
Additional experience in applied economics, innovation economics, social media, web content and data communication would be advantageous.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit two essential documents:
1. Motivation Letter
The motivation letter should explain the candidate’s interest in the internship and demonstrate their suitability for the position.
Candidates should use the letter to connect their academic background, technical skills and professional interests with the work of the Composite Indicator Research Section.
2. Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must also submit a current CV.
The CV should clearly present relevant:
- Educational qualifications.
- Research experience.
- Statistical and econometric experience.
- Programming skills.
- Data visualization experience.
- Professional experience.
- Communication and digital-content experience.
Important LinkedIn Application Requirement
Candidates applying through LinkedIn using Easy Apply should pay particular attention to the document-upload requirement.
The CV and cover letter must be combined into one single PDF file when submitting through LinkedIn Easy Apply.
Applicants should not upload them as separate documents if using the Easy Apply route.
Most importantly, applications that do not include both a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae will not be considered.
Visit HERE to learn more about the WIPO Internship 2027 in Geneva
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST
Candidates should ensure that all required application materials are submitted before the deadline.
Because applications missing either the motivation letter or CV will not be considered, applicants should verify their submission carefully before sending it.
Application Process
Interested candidates should:
- Review the eligibility requirements for Category II internships.
- Confirm that they meet the educational and technical requirements.
- Prepare a motivation letter.
- Prepare an up-to-date CV.
- If applying through LinkedIn Easy Apply, combine the CV and motivation letter into one PDF.
- Submit the required documents to gii@wipo.int.
- Ensure the application is submitted before September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| Internship area | Composite Indicator Research |
| Department | Economics and Data Analytics |
| Sector | IP and Innovation Ecosystems |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Internship type | Category II |
| Duration | 6 months, renewable up to 12 months |
| Start date | January 4, 2027 |
| Working arrangement | Full-time, on-site |
| Working hours | 40 hours per week |
| Monthly stipend | CHF 2,170 |
| Medical insurance | Provided |
| Annual leave | Provided |
| Sick leave | Provided |
| Main research areas | Economics, data analytics, innovation and intangible investment |
| Programming | R and/or Python |
| Essential language | English |
| Application email | gii@wipo.int |
| Deadline | September 15, 2026, 11:59 PM CEST |
Why This WIPO Internship Is Valuable
This internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience at an international organisation while working on research and publications related to innovation, economics and data.
The successful intern will gain exposure to several professional areas, including:
- Economic research.
- Statistical analysis.
- Econometric programming.
- Data visualization.
- Innovation research.
- Intangible investment research.
- Economic publications.
- International policy work.
- Digital communication.
- Event preparation.
- Working within a multicultural international organisation.
The opportunity can therefore be particularly valuable for candidates looking to combine economics or data science with international development, innovation policy and research.
Important Points to Remember
Before applying, candidates should carefully note the following:
- The internship is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It is not remote.
- The expected start date is January 4, 2027.
- The internship is full-time, at 40 hours per week.
- The initial duration is six months.
- It can be renewed up to a maximum of 12 months.
- The monthly stipend is CHF 2,170.
- Medical insurance is provided.
- Annual leave and sick leave are provided.
- A master’s degree or qualifying advanced university degree in economics, data science or a related field is required.
- Experience with R and/or Python is essential.
- Familiarity with modern data visualization tools is essential.
- Excellent written and spoken English is essential.
- Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
- Applicants must meet the Category II internship eligibility requirements.
- Both a motivation letter and CV are mandatory.
- LinkedIn Easy Apply applicants must combine both documents into one PDF.
- The deadline is September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.
Conclusion
The WIPO Economics and Data Analytics Internship 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for qualified postgraduate students and recent advanced-degree graduates to gain practical experience in economics, statistics, data analytics, innovation research and international policymaking.
Based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the six-month internship will allow the selected candidate to contribute to major publications such as the Global Innovation Index 2027 and World Intangible Investment Highlights 2027.
The position is particularly suited to candidates with expertise in economics or data science, statistical and econometric analysis, R and/or Python, and data visualization. Additional experience in applied economics, innovation economics, social media and web content can further strengthen an application.
The successful candidate will receive a CHF 2,170 monthly stipend, medical insurance, annual leave and sick leave. The internship is full-time and on-site, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 12 months.
Interested applicants should carefully review the Category II eligibility requirements, prepare their motivation letter and CV, and submit their application before September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.
For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.
