01-5930 ./.OFFICE(01)/98
22 November 2001
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
WTO
Geneva
Vacancy Notice No. 453
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Counsellor in the Intellectual Property
Division.  Applications from men and women, including serving staff members interested in this position,
are equally welcome.
TITLE AND LEVEL: Counsellor – Grade 101
STARTING SALARY: Approximately Swiss francs 134,000 net p.a.
OTHER CONDITIONS: In accordance with WTO Staff and Pension Plan Regulations.
A package of expatriate benefits is available to staff recruited non-locally.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed-term for two years.GENERAL FUNCTIONS: The functions of this post are related to the responsibilities of the WTO in
the area of intellectual property, in particular those flowing from the
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS).  While the incumbent will be expected to contribute to the work
of the Secretariat in all areas of the TRIPS Agreement, he/she will have
primary responsibility for the Division's work on development issues in thefield of intellectual property, including access to medicines, biotechnology,
biodiversity, plant variety protection, traditional knowledge and transfer of
technology.  The incumbent will be the Intellectual Property Division's
main source of expertise and advice on the economic aspects of intellectual
property protection, while also being expected to have a thorough
knowledge of national and international law in the above-mentioned areas.
Under the general supervision of the Director of the Division, theincumbent will be required to:
(a) assist in the preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings of the
Council for TRIPS and of any subsidiary bodies that may be
established by it, particularly by planning, organizing andcoordinating the preparation of background analytical papers;
(b) act as secretary to, or otherwise assist, dispute settlement panels;(c) provide advice and assistance to Member governments, including
contributing to the Secretariat's activities in the field of technical
cooperation;
(d) assist in other work of the Secretariat relating to intellectual
property matters;
                                                          
1The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the required
qualification.OFFICE(01)/98
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(e) maintain contacts with other international organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, the intellectual property
community, the academic world and other interested parties;
(f) carry out other tasks as assigned.
REQUIRED
QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to a basic univer sity degree, theoretical knowledge and/or
proven professional expertise equivalent to an advanced university degree
in the field of intellectual property rights and in the legal system for their
protection, both at the national and international levels and in bothdeveloped and developing countries. Wh ile applicants should have a wide-
ranging interest in and knowledge of international economic relations,
knowledge and experience (at least 10 years) relevant to the fields of
patents, plant variety protection and trade secrets is being sought in
particular.
Ability to write clearly, concisely and rapidly;  to establish and maintain
good working relations with colleagues and government officials of
different nationalities.
LANGUAGES: Excellent know ledge of English or French, with a good knowledge of the
other language.  A good working knowledge of additional languages would
be an advantage.
APPLICATIONS:
2An application form may be downloaded from the WTO website -
www.wto.org - or requested from:
Director, Administ ration and General Services Division
(Human Resources Section)
WTO
Centre William Rappard
154, Rue de Lausanne1211 Geneva 21
Switzerland
Fax:+ 41-22-739 57 72
Completed forms should be returned to the above-mentioned address.
All applications will be acknowledge d, although a delay in answering must
be expected.  Only applicants possessing the required qualifications will be
taken into consideration.
CLOSING DATE OF THIS
VACANCY NOTICE: 16 January 2002
                                                          
2Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.
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