OFFICE(16)/21 
16-1263 
 
 
 
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/16-12 Issued on:  3 March 2016 
 
Title:  Secretary Application Deadline (CET):  31 March 2016  
 
Grade:  3 
 Division:  Economic Research and Statistics 
(457) 
Contract Type:  Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 60,526 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 compen sation package is provided on the 
WTO website: 
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto _e/vacan_e/comp_p ackage_e.pdf.  
  
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to f ill a position of Secretary in the Economic 
Research and Statistics Division.  
 
General Functions  
 Reporting to the Administrative Assistant, the Secretary will have the following responsibilities:  
 
1.       Respond to telephone and e-mail requests for information from other Divisions within the WTO and outside bodies.  Drafting of e-mail correspondence, basic office documents including 
country briefings, DDG memoranda, Back-to-Office Reports etc. and circulation of same. 
 2. Carry out a range of secretarial and administ rative tasks supporting Divisional activities: 
Assist with the organization of meetings an d conferences which may include meeting room 
reservations, preparation and maintenance of participant lists, preparation of relevant meeting documents, etc. Preparatory work for mission travel as required, including logistics and follow-up on mission reports. 
 
3. Assist in the preparation of documents and publications of the Division, which may include formatting, editing and proofreading of text, excel graphics and tables, and formatting of 
bibliographies. 
 
4. Collect and collate statistics within standard definitions and maintain databases as defined. 
Download, collect, convert and collect data from the UN Database and other organisations to 
include them into the WTO Statistical database (SDB). OFFICE(16)/21 
 
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5. Organize and manage files and records relati ng to divisional activities and respond to 
requests for information from other Divisions within the WTO and outside bodies. 
 6. Carry out administrative tasks as assigned by the Administrative Assistant and Senior 
Secretary; provide back-up support in the absence of the Senior Secretary or Administrative 
Assistant  
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  Education: 
 
Completed secondary education; secretarial qualifications.  
Knowledge and Skills: 
 Knowledge of the WTO system. 
 
Secretarial skills; Word processing skills, excel spreadsheet skills and proficiency in MS suite of applications (or equivalent). Good IT skills to be able to perform basic statistical tasks. 
Demonstrated willingness to master standard IT tools used in secretarial work. 
Ability to format documents according to guidelines.  
Organizational skills. 
Ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines. Tact and discretion. 
 
The following interpersonal capabilities are also required: ability to relate to and build relationships with colleagues; ability to communicate information in a clear way and to understand information; ability to persuade others to a point of view usin g facts; ability to face and cope with conflict 
situations with colleagues; and ability to work as a member of a team, relating to others, while 
working independently to achieve his/her objectives.  
Work Experience: 
 Minimum 2 years' experience, preferably in an international organization or a government ministry 
environment. 
 Languages:  
Excellent speaking and writing skills in English and adequate skills in French or Spanish; skills in 
the third language would be an asset.  
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 and evaluation of candidates. The re cruitment process may also involve the use of 
various forms of testing, assessment cent res, 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 18 months, and may 
subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources. OFFICE(16)/21 
 
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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 online 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 – Central European Time (CET) –  
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.