OFFICE( 20)/81 
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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/20 -51 Issued on:  8 September  2020 
 
Title:  Publications Editor   Application Deadline:  6 October  2020  
 
Grade:   7 
 Division:  Information and External Relations  
Contract Type:   Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 90,472 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 Publications Editor  in the 
Information and Exernal Relations Division . 
 
The Information and External Relations Division communicates information about the World Trade 
Organization to a variety of audiences. This is made available through the WTO web site, an 
extensive publications programme and regular briefings aimed at specific audiences, such as 
journalists, non -governmental organizations (NGOs), parliamentarians and students. The 
Publications T eam, situated  in the Editorial, Internet and Publications Section, is responsible for 
managing the production of all WTO publications. Working closely with divisions across the 
organization, it develops content, manages the publication design, oversees the  proofing process, 
organizes printing of the publication, manages the book launch and is responsible for the marketing 
and sale of the publication.  
 
General functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Head of Editorial, Internet and Publications,  the incumbent  will perform  
the following functions : 
 
1. Working to tight deadlines,  edit content for WTO publications  and co-publications  produced 
with Cambridge University Press  and other IGOs . Edit text to ensure it is understandable to a non -
specialist audience and conform s with WTO editorial style standards . Liaise , coordinate  and 
communicate  with originating divisions to ensure editorial consistency , to highlight areas of political 
sensitivity  and to resolve edi torial queries . 
 
2. Oversee the production of publications , liaising with external design agencies and counterparts 
in other IGOs to ensure publications are produced on time and to the highest standards . Duties 
include drawing up a production schedule, preparing manuscripts  for typesetting , reviewing proofs , 
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conducting picture research, proof reading page layouts, consolidating corrections and providing 
final approval for print.  
 
3. When required, edit content for the website, such as reports, papers and  conference 
summaries.   
 
4.  Liaise with freelance editors regarding projects where external assistance is required , 
providing guidance on the level of editing required and reviewing their work to ensure it is conducted 
to a high standard.  
 
5. Respond  to reproduction/copyright requests , when necessary,  and deal with other enquiries 
sent to the Publications mailbox.  
 
6. Review HTML versions of WTO publications prepared for the WTO's iLibrary and update the 
WTO Publications Database as required.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Completion of secondary education. A certificate in editing or additional studies in a relevant area 
(e.g. English, modern languages, publishing) is required. A university education would be an asset.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical knowledge and skills:  
 
A good understanding of the WTO  and trade issues in general  is essential ; familiarity with the WTO 
agreements  would be an asset . 
 
Very good project management skills, with proven ability to manage the publication process from 
content generation to printe d product.  
 
Excellent editing and proofreading skills; the ability to thoroughly verify information, references, 
quotations and citations.  
 
Behavioural skills:  
 
Ability to work to strict deadlines , and to  prioritize and manage multiple tasks; attention to detail 
and accuracy;  the ability to work independently  with little supervision , to exercise initiative and good 
judgement . 
  
Open mindset  to engage in ongoing review of relevant practices , tools  and systems, and to 
continuously propose and implement improvements . 
 
The ability to explain information, often of a detailed  nature, clearly to a variety of audiences.  
 
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to plan , coordinate , and oversee  work, and maintain good 
working relationships,  with a wide range of individuals and teams . The ability to substantiate  and 
explain  editorial decisions or drafting sugges tions with tact and sensitivity.  
 
Work Experience:  
 
At least fifteen years' work experience, including at least five to ten years of substantial experience 
in proofreading and editing, in the private or public sector, or in an international organization . 
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of  English  (mother -tongue proficiency)  is essential, including the a bility to 
communicate precisely and concisely orally and in writing . Good working knowledge of French and/or 
Spanish would be an asset.   
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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 process may also involve the use of 
various forms of testing, assessment centres, intervi ews 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 24 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 online application form.  
To apply, please visit the WTO's E -Recruitment website at: https://erecruitment.wto.org . 
The system provides in structions for online application procedures.  
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has  
been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – 
stated in the vacancy announcement.  
 
PLEASE NOT E THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE  
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED  
 
The WTO is a non -smoking environment.