OFFICE( 19)/74 
19-5643 
 
 
The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members  
offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity.  
As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.  
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Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/19 -60 Issued on:  3 September 2019  
 
Title:  Legal/Economic Affairs Officer  Application Deadline:  1 October 2019  
 
Grade:  6 
 Division:  Accessions  
 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 84,440  net per annum  
(approximate)  Duration:  Two years with the possibility of  
extension  
 
Other 
Conditions:  In accordance with WTO Staff Regulations and Staff Rules and WTO Pension Plan 
Regulations.  
The World Trade Organization offers an attractive compensation package including 
an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions 
and health insurance), dependency benefits, pension plan, health insu rance 
scheme, separation grant, and 30 days annual leave.  Benefits for internationally 
recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and 
separation, installation grant, education grant, rental subsidy, and home leave.  
Additional in formation on the compensation package is provided on the 
WTO website:  
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/compensation_e.htm  
 
 
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Legal/ Economic Affairs Officer 
in the Accessions Division. This is an entry level professional position.  
 
The Accessions Division works to facilitate the negotiations between WTO members and 
states and entities requesting accession to the WTO by encouraging their integration into 
the multilateral trading system through the effective liberalization of their trade regimes 
in goods and services; and to act as a focal point in widening the scope and geographical 
coverage of the WTO . 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Directo r of the Division, the incumbent will undertake the following 
responsibilities:  
 
1. Function as Secretary/Co -Secretary of at least three accession Working Parties; 
responsibilities include assisting in the servicing of Working Party meetings; drafting Chai rperson's 
Notes, Working Party Reports, agenda, summary reports; preparing Accession Packages (i.e.  
Working Party Reports and Schedules of Goods and Services).  
 
2. Provide information to delegations and advise senior management on accession -related 
matter s. 
 
3. Assist in organizing and preparing accession -related technical assistance and capacity -building 
activities, including in close coordination with relevant Divisions.  
 
4. Conduct research and analysis of economic and trade -related issues concerning ac cessions.  
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5. Participate in and contribute to other activities of the Division, as required.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Advanced university degree in economics, law, international relations or another relevant field.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical knowledge and skills: 
 
Knowledge of the requirements of WTO accession and the commitments involved in WTO 
Agreements is required.  
Knowledge of WTO legal instruments and the Uruguay Round Multilateral and Plurilateral Trade 
Agreements is  essential.  
Analytical skills to research and organize background material.  
Strong drafting skills, reflecting ability to communicate in a clear manner, to prepare and review 
briefs and reports on accession - and trade -related issues.  
 
Behavioural skills: 
 
Time management and prioritization skills; ability to meet strict deadlines within a dynamic work 
environment, working swiftly and accurately under the pressure of deadlines, while paying close 
attention to the detail.  
Ability to communicate complex abstr act ideas to an audience of informed people and understand 
ideas when communicated by others.  
Ability to make fact -based presentations to knowledgeable specialised audiences.  
Ability to work independently as well as cooperate with others in a diverse international setting as a 
member of a team.   
Political sensitivity and awareness; tact and diplomacy. Ability to initiate and build relationships with 
acceding governments, WTO m embers, and various types of stakeholders and partners.  
Ability to adhere rigorously to rules of conduct ensuring confidentiality, impartiality and an absence 
of conflicts of interest.  
 
Work Experience:  
 
A minimum of two years of professional experience in the area of trade, accessions or  international 
relations in academia, Governmental Institutions and/or International Organisations.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent English is required, including the ability to draft accurately, concisely and rapidly.   A good 
knowledge of at least one of the other two WTO working languages (French and Spanish) is an 
advantage.  
 
English language is required at a level corresponding or equivalent to a minimum of C1 according to 
the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). Shortlisted candidates will 
be assessed on their language skills as part of the selection process and may be asked to provide 
proof of their language skills under a recognized framework (e.g. CEFR, IELTS, UN Language 
Proficiency Exam , etc.)  
 
 
Additional Information:  
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.  
 
The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the 
assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment proce ss may also involve the use of 
various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks.  
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  Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be 
suitable for a similar position may be kept on a  roster for up to 12 months, and may subsequently 
be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.  
______________________________________________________________________  
APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION  
__________ ____________________________________________________________  
APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW  
______________________________________________________________________  
Please note that all candidates must complete an o nline application  form.  
To apply, please visit the WTO's E -Recruitment website at: https://erecruitment.wto.org . 
The system provides instructions for online application procedures.  
 
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after th e vacancy has  
been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time –  
stated in the vacancy announcement.  
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE  
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED  
 
The WTO is a non -smoking environment.