OFFICE( 19)/41 
19-4027 
 
 
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.  
______________________________________________________________________  
 
Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/19-32 Issued on:  13 June 2019  
 
Title:  Counsellor  Application Deadline:  11 July 2019  
 
Grade:  9 
 Division:  Rules  
 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 135,005  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 insurance 
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 information 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 Counsellor to work as a trade 
remedies and subsidies expert in the Rules Division . 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Reporting to the Director of the Division, the incumbent is expected to fulfill the following functions:  
 
1. Serve as expert advisor on policy matters, Members' laws and practices, and WTO rules, in 
the Division's areas of responsibility, especially trade remedies and subsidies. This will involve the 
conduct of factual and policy research and analysis, and the pr eparation of analytical reports, 
analyses, briefing notes, and talking points on a wide range of topics in the areas of responsibility, 
on behalf of Members and Senior Management.  
 
2. Contribute as a subject matter expert to the work of the Committees ser viced by the Rules 
Division, especially the Committees on Anti -dumping Practices, Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures, and Safeguards.  
 
3. Take a lead role in developing and delivering technical assistance in the areas covered by the 
Rules Division thro ugh a range of vehicles.  
 
4. On request, serve as expert advisor to dispute settlement panels, and assist with negotiations 
in the areas covered by the Rules Division.  
 
 
  
OFFICE( 19)/41 
 
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  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
An advanced university degree in economics, law, or international relations.   
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Expert knowledge of the national trade remedies procedures of the main user Members.  
Deep knowledge and understanding of  Members' subsidies policies and practices.  
Thorough knowledge and sound understanding of the current and evolving political issues relating 
to the WTO and proposals for reform, particularly in the areas covered by the Rules Division.  
Excellent knowledge o f the WTO Agreements covered by the Rules Division.   
In-depth knowledge of and experience in WTO Committee -related work, or comparable work, 
relating to the subject matters covered by the Rules Division.  
Proven ability to work effectively with Members' r epresentatives, preferably including officers of 
Committees, in providing expert advice and assisting them to apply the relevant substantive and 
procedural rules, and/or in intergovernmental relations, relating to the subject matters covered by 
the Rules D ivision.  
Excellent research and analytical skills.  
Excellent drafting skills; ability to present information and analysis in a logical, succinct, and 
coherent manner, both orally and in written form. This includes the ability to quickly absorb 
voluminous  information from a variety of sources and to produce therefrom succinct and incisive 
analyses to short deadlines, with a minimum of supervision.  
Proven ability to develop and deliver advanced -level, hands -on technical assistance activities in the 
areas of  responsibility.  
 
Behavioural Skills:  
 
Excellent planning and organization skills; ability to pay close attention to detail.  
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.  
Highly developed tact and discretion and the ability to adhere rigorously to s et rules of conduct 
ensuring confidentiality, impartiality and an absence of conflicts of interest.  
Ability to work independently as well as to cooperate with others as a member of a team, including 
as team leader; to persuade others through sound argumen tation and advice while remaining flexible 
and open to different points of view and evolving approaches; to develop and maintain collegial, 
respectful and professional relationships with colleagues and, as appropriate, with others both inside 
and outside t he WTO; ability to take initiative and to seek guidance appropriately.  
 
Work Experience:  
 
At least 8 years' practical experience in the area of trade remedies and subsidies, including work in 
the conduct of national trade remedies proceedings.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent English  (at a level corresponding or equivalent to a minimum of C1 according to the 
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)) is required , including a 
demonstrated ability to write accurately, concisely, clearly and  within tight deadlines. Knowledge of 
French and/or Spanish is desirable.  
 
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 fram ework (e.g. CEFR, 
IELTS, UN Language Proficiency Exam, etc.).  
 
Additional Information:  
 
The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the 
required qualifications.  
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.  OFFICE( 19)/41 
 
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The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the 
assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of 
various forms of testing, assessment centres,  interviews and reference checks.  
 
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 the vacancy has  
been poste d 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.