04-1897  . /. OFFICE(04)/40 
        28 April 2004 
 
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
 
WTO  
 
Geneva  
 
Vacancy Notice No. 523  
 
 The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Legal Affairs Officer in the Rules 
Division.  Applications from men and women are equally  welcome.  Serving staff members interested in 
this position are also invited to apply. 
 
TITLE AND GRADE: Legal Affairs Officer – Grade 81 
STARTING SALARY:  Approximately  Swiss francs 105,000 net p.a. 
OTHER CONDITIONS: In accordance with WTO Staff Regulations and Staff Rules and 
WTO Pension Plan Regulations. 
 A package of expatriate benefits is available to staff recruited 
internationally 
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed-term contract for two years, with possibility of extension. GENERAL FUNCTIONS: The incumbent will serve in the Rules Division, which is responsible 
for WTO disciplines relating to subs idies, contingent trade remedies 
(anti-dumping, countervailing meas ures, safeguards), state trading 
enterprises and trade in civil aircraft.  The Division staffs Committees and other bodies, supports negotiatio ns, conducts technical assistance 
programmes, and provides legal of ficers and secretaries for dispute 
settlement panels in these areas. 
 As his/her primary responsibility, the incumbent will, under the 
supervision of the Chief Legal Office r, serve as legal officer and/or 
secretary to dispute settlement panels serviced by the Division. Tasks include advising dispute settlement panels on legal issues and related matters within the Division's areas of competence, drafting legal memoranda and other text s, managing procedural and 
organizational aspects of the panel process and otherwise assisting 
panels in all aspects of their work. 
 In addition, the incumbent may, under the supervision of the Director 
of the Division, be asked to advise delegations and Secretariat staff regarding legal issues and preceden ts; provide technical assistance 
and training, both in the form of lectures/presentations and through 
direct assistance; prepare training modules, model legislations and other materials; support the servic ing of Committees and other bodies 
for which the Division is responsibl e; and undertake such other tasks 
as may be assigned. 
REQUIRED 
QUALIFICATIONS: A university degree in law, including preferably studies in 
international trade law.  A minimum of five years' relevant practical 
experience in the area of internatio nal trade law, including experience 
in national or international trade-rela ted litigation and/or in the area of 
trade remedies.  Excellent legal drafting skills, including the ability to 
                                                     
 
1 The post may be offered at a lower grade if the se lected candidate does not fully meet all of the 
required qualifications.  OFFICE(04)/40 
Page 2  
draft complex legal texts under ti me pressure.  A good understanding 
of legal and economic issues in  areas within the Division's 
competence.  Ability to manage workload independently and to coordinate work and coope rate with others in a diverse international 
setting. 
LANGUAGES Excellent knowledge of English, including an ability to write 
accurately, concisely and quick ly.  Good working knowledge of 
French or Spanish is highly desirable. 
APPLICATIONS:
2 Please use the online application form which may be downloaded 
from the WTO website – www.wto.org  - under "vacancies".  If you 
are unable to download the application form, please send an e-mail 
or fax to the Human Resources Section requesting the form.  A 
completed form may also be submitted to the following address: 
 Director, Administration and General Services Division 
(Human Resources Section) WTO 
Centre William Rappard 
154, rue de Lausanne 1211 Geneva 21 Switzerland  
 E-mail:  humanresources@wto.org
              Fax::  +41-22-739 5772 
 Please do not send your application via multiple routes.  It is not 
necessary to follow your application up with copies of qualifications, previous employment contracts, entire publications, etc. 
 Candidates must indicate clearly in section 15 of the application 
form the Vacancy Notice No. 523. 
 Applications will not be acknowle dged.  Only applicants possessing 
the required qualifications will be take n into consideration.  Only the 
successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the competition. 
 Candidates are kindly requested to refrain from enquiring about 
progress of their application. 
CLOSING DATE OF THIS 
VACANCY NOTICE: 23 June 2004 
No applications will be considered after this date. 
 
 
                                                     
 
2 Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.  
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