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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/13-10 Issued on:   16 September 2013 
 
Title:   Chief Economist and Director Application Deadline (CET):   14 October 
2013 
 
Grade:   11 
 Division:   Economic Research and Statistics 
Division 
 Contract Type:   Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:   CHF 188,793 net per annum 
(approximate)  Duration:   Two years with a 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 WTO IS RE-OPENING THE VACANCY NOTI CE TO ENSURE THE BROADEST POOL OF 
DIVERSE CANDIDATES. APPLICANTS WHO HAVE APPLIED NEED NOT REAPPLY. 
 
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Chief Economist and Director, 
Economic Research and Statistics Division.  Serving staff members interested in the 
position are also invited to apply.  
 
General Functions  
 
The WTO's Chief Economist will lead the Economic Research and Statistics Division, comprised of 
approximately 40 staff of Research Economists and Statisticians.  He/she will provide intellectual leadership on the WTO's economic research and statistics work. 
 
1. As WTO's Chief Economist, act as the recognized authority, expert and leader in advanced economic research and analysis on international trade issues.  
2. Lead and manage the overall work of the team in the Economic Research and Statistics 
Division.  Prioritize and plan the use of Division al resources and budget to achieve the required 
Divisional outputs and results.  Provide guidance to staff in carrying out their work, setting out the 
performance objectives of the staff members and assess their performance. 
 3. Lead and inspire the WTO’s economic resear ch agenda, including through interacting with 
academic and policy communities internationally;  liaising with the economic units of other 
international and bilateral agencies;  ensuring coherence with other international organizations including in relation to linkages between trade and finance and for the Working Group on Trade, OFFICE(13)/20/Rev.1 
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Debt and Finance.  Strengthen cooperation and collaboration between international organizations in the field of merchandise and services trade st atistics, ensuring that WTO requirements with 
respect to the concepts and standards underpinning the international statistical system are met. 
 
4. Ensure economic analysis and research in support of the WTO’s operational activities is 
provided, including monitoring and reporting on current economic news and developments.  
Manage WTO’s economic research on broader policy-related topics in connection with the WTO’s 
work programme.  Manage the preparation of the WTO's annual research publication "The World Trade Report". 
 
5. Elevate the profile and advocate the incorp oration of rigorous economic research and 
analysis into project design, implementation and evaluation.  
6. Build relationships with WTO Members, deve loping an understanding of their particular 
interests and concerns and providing au thoritative advice and suggestions. 
 
7. Ensure WTO trade statistics are provided through the annual “International Trade Statistics” 
publication and other statistical publications via the Internet and Intranet.  Provide members with technical assistance in relation to the IDB-CTS databases. 
 
8. Support the Director-General and the DDGs by providing reports, briefings and other information.  Co-ordinate the WTO's University Ch airs Programme and serve as ex-officio member 
of the Editorial Board of the World Trade Review. 
 
 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education:  
A PhD in economics. 
 Knowledge and Skills:  
Proven, in-depth knowledge of the WTO’s system  and procedures and economic trade issues. 
Expert economic research and analytical skills. A proven publications record. 
Practised management and organisational skills (planning and organising work, managing people 
and performance, managing resources). Practised policy dialogue and negotiating skills. 
High level of communication skills, oral and written. 
Expert drafting and publishing skills in English. Ability to build a team culture that consistently delivers high-quality results and engages stakeholders in implementing strategy that has long-term impact. 
 
Work Experience:  
At least fifteen years’ experience in senior roles related to international trade in government or 
international organisations.  Proven leadership  and management experience, including managing 
multicultural teams. 
 
Languages:  Excellent knowledge of English, including an ability to write accurately, precisely and quickly;  
working knowledge in French and/or Spanish would be an advantage. 
 Additional Information: 
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 
 
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_____________________________________________________________________ 
APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION 
____________________________________________________________________ 
APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable the WTO to store 
your profile in a permanent database. 
 
Please visit the WTO' s E-Recruitment website at:  www.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. 
 
Offline applications should be sent to: 
 
Director, Human Resources Division WTO 
Centre William Rappard 
154, rue de Lausanne CH-1211 Geneva 21 Switzerland 
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE 
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED 
 
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.