OFFICE( 19)/52 
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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.  
______________________________________________________________________  
 
Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/19 -43 Issued on:  5 July 2019  
 
Title:  Secretary  Application Deadline:  2 August 2019  
 
Grade:  4 
 Division:  Appellate Body Secretariat  
 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 65,729  net per annum  
(approximate)  Duration:  Two years with the possibility for 
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 Secretary in the Appellate Body 
Secretariat.  
 
The Appellate Body Secretariat is responsible for delivering advice and assistance to the 
Appellate Body in connection with all aspects of appeals of panel reports. The Appellate 
Body Secretariat  also often advises and supports arbitrators in proceedings to determine 
the reasonable period of time, and, occasionally, provides advice and/or information to 
the Director -General, other WTO Divisions, and WTO Members, as appropriate . 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the general direction of the Director, and the supervision of the Administrative Assistant and 
Senior staff the incumbent will undertake some or all of the following functions in relation with 
dispute settlement activities:  
 
1. Perform a full range of secretarial duties: draft correspondence and memoranda using 
standard templates, based on verbal instructions or brief notes; meticulously check legal and other 
documents for formatting, spelling, grammar, and proper citations; create, edit, and p roduce texts, 
tables, correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations, according to approved WTO and 
Appellate Body Secretariat format and editorial practices.  
 
2. Ensure proper distribution and date stamping of documents; generate and maintain filin g 
systems; file and retrieve correspondence and documents in the Division's established filing 
systems; put together background files and compile appropriate reference materials for appeals, 
meetings, and seminars.  
 
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  3. Maintain contact with delegations inv olved in appeals; coordinate the circulation of Appellate 
Body Reports; service meetings, including oral hearings and internal meetings; understand and 
apply Appellate Body practices and procedures in the conduct of appeals, in particular regarding 
deadlin es and the treatment of confidential information.  
 
4. Provide assistance and support to Appellate Body Secretariat staff and Appellate Body 
Members, as required.  
 
5. Perform other secretarial duties, as assigned.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Completion of secondary school; training in the secretarial field or proven experience in secretarial 
processes and practices.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Knowledge of the work of the Appellate Body Secretariat and of the WTO. Excellent knowledge of 
standard software applications (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Knowledge of database 
applications would also be an advantage. Good drafting skills in English to be able to prepare 
standard WTO correspondence.  
 
Behavi oural Skills:  
 
Ability to work within strict deadlines and under pressure as well as to work successfully in a team; 
highly developed tact and discretion and the ability to adhere rigorously to the requirements of 
confidentiality; excellent organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail; ability to 
manage time efficiently when working on several assignments subject to deadlines; ability to 
exercise initiative and judgement; and to work under supervision. The following interpersonal 
capab ilities are required: relate to and build relationships with colleagues;  communicate and 
understand clear factual information; and work as a member of a team, relating to others, while 
working independently to achieve his/her objectives.  
 
Work Experience:  
 
Three to four years of relevant experience. Experience in a legal environment would be an asset.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of English. Good working knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an 
asset. Language skills will be tested in the course of the recruitment process.  
  
(English language at a level corresponding or equivalent to a minimum of C1 according to the 
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).)  
 
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.  
 
The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the 
assessment a nd evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process 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 b e 
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 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.