WTO SPS Mentoring System 2026: Applications Open for Government Officials Working on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters
Applications are open for government officials to join the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Mentoring System as mentees. This international professional development initiative aims to strengthen practical knowledge, peer learning, and coordination on sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
Overview
The WTO SPS Mentoring System connects government officials who need support on particular sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) challenges with experienced officials who can provide practical guidance through an informal, flexible mentoring relationship. The initiative is particularly intended to assist developing and least-developed country (LDC) WTO members in areas such as SPS transparency, participation in the WTO SPS Committee, implementation of SPS Agreement provisions, and domestic coordination.
This programme is a professional knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiative rather than a formal consultancy, scholarship, grant, or funded training course. The mentoring relationship is ad hoc, and the duration is determined by the individual participants.
Eligibility
The current call is directed at government officials who work on SPS matters and want mentoring assistance to address specific challenges at the domestic level. Potential applicants typically work in institutions such as:
- Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, and Health
- Food safety, veterinary services, and plant protection authorities
- Fisheries authorities and quarantine agencies
- SPS national notification authorities and enquiry points
Benefits
Participants gain access to professional mentoring, knowledge exchange, peer learning, institutional capacity-building, and international networking. The programme supports practical problem-solving across various topics, including transparency, WTO Committee participation, and operational implementation of SPS regulations.
How to Apply
Interested government officials should complete the official online application form to request mentoring as a mentee.
- Ensure you identify a concrete SPS problem rather than asking for general professional development.
- Explain your institutional context, define a practical objective, and demonstrate a willingness to participate actively.
Deadline
Applications for the current mentee call must be submitted by Friday, 25 September 2026.