OFFICE( 20)/47 
20-3869 
 
 
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/20-30 Issued on:   2 June 2020        
 
Title:  External Relations Officer  Application Deadline:   30 June 2020     
 
Grade:  6 
 Division:  Information and External  
Relation s 
 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 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 su bsidy, 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 the position of External Relations Officer to 
work in the Information and External Relations Division . This position is located in the 
External Relations Section , which  is responsible for in teract ing with the p rivate sector, 
civil society , parliamentarians  and intergovernmental organizations on issues relevant to 
the work of the WTO . Part of this work involves organising the Trade Dialogues and the 
Public Forum - WTO's largest outreach event . 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the direct supervision of the Public Forum Coordinator  and the overall guidance of the Director 
of the Division , the incumbent will carry out the following functions:  
 
1. Assist with all civil society and business -related matters including conduct ing briefings and 
giving presentations for a variety of audiences .  
 
2. Assist in every stage of the organization of the Public Forum, including researching background 
materials, identifying potential speakers for high level panels, assisting in the selection process of 
Public Forum sessions, communicating with individuals and organisations on all Public Forum related 
matters, assisting in the preparation of marketing materials and preparing briefing notes when 
necessary.   
 
3.  Assist with organizing  Trade Dialogues meetings, including preparing the  plenaries and break -
out sess ions, briefing of participants, briefing senior management and offering support with logistical 
matters.  
  
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4. Participat e in technical assistance outreach sessions  relevant to the Division.  
 
5. Assist with  prepar ing and organiz ing WTO Ministerial Confere nces.   
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Advanced degree in law, economics, political sciences, international relations or a related discipline.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical knowledge and skills:  
 
• Good knowledge of the work of the WTO , including the current state of negotiations .  
• Good research  and analytical  skills.  
• Good drafting and presentation skills including  the ability to present thoughts in a logical, 
succinct, and coherent manner.   
 
Behavioural skills:  
 
• Excellent organizational skills; time management and prioritization skills including ability to  
         meet strict deadlines within a dynamic work env ironment .  
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure while paying attention to detail.   
• Good communication skills  including ability to relay information and communicate in a clear  
and precise manner.  
• Political sensitivity and awareness; tact and diplomacy.  
• Ability to w ork independently as well as cooperate with others as a member of a team.  
• Ability to t ake initiative and build relationships with colleagues, both inside and outside the  
         organization.  
• Ability to deal with conflict .       
 
Work Experience:  
 
Minimum two (2) years of professional experience relevant to the work of the WTO.  Previous 
experience in organising large events would be desirable.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent level of English, including the ability to write accurately and concisely  (at a level 
corresponding or equivalent to a minimum of C1 according to the Common European Framework of 
Reference for Languages (CEFR)) . A good knowledge of a second WTO working language, French or 
Spanish (minimu m B2 level according to CEFR), is required. Good knowledge of a third WTO working 
language is desirable .   
 
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide proof of their language skills under a recognized 
framework (e.g. CEFR, IELTS, etc.) unless the lang uage in question is their mother tongue. Language 
skills will be tested in the course of the recruitment process.  
 
Additional Information:  
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.  
 
The WTO may use various communication technologie s 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.  OFFICE( 20)/47OFFICE(20)/47  
 
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  _________________________________ _____________________________________  
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 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.