OFFICE( 17)/54 
17-3606 
 
 
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 div ersity.  
______________________________________________________________________  
 
Vacancy Notice No.:   EXT/F/17 -40 Issued on:   5 July 2017 
 
Title:  Legal Editor   Application Deadline (CET):   2 August  2017 
 
Grade:   7 
 Division:   Appellate Body Secretariat  
(9019) 
Contract Type:   Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:   CHF 89,939 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 
Regulatio ns. 
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, separati on 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 compe nsation package is provided on the 
WTO website:  
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/comp_package_e.pdf . 
 
 
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Legal Editor  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 peri od 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 supervision of the Director of the Appellate Body Secretariat  (ABS)  or a senior d ispute 
settlement lawyer , the incumbent will perform  the following functions : 
 
1. Working to tight deadlines,  edit all Appellate Body (AB) reports, arbitration awards and other 
AB documents and publications  for grammar and syntax, and  to ensure that they c onform to 
established Appellate Body ( AB) and WTO editorial style standards . Liaise , coordinate , and 
communicate  with Appellate Body Members and ABS  personnel assigned to specific appeals on an 
ongoing basis to ensure editorial consistency in all documents  produced throughout the appellate 
process.  
 
2. Design and provide training for all matters relating to style and editing for existing ABS staff 
and, in particular, for all new recruits . Serve as a Divisional focal point for all such matters, by 
providing editorial advice and suggestions relating to drafting, and guidance to ensure the 
accuracy, completeness, and consistency of legal citations and the internal consistency of texts; OFFICE( 17)/54 
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supervise and review the preparation of tables of authorities and abbreviati ons, and annexes, for 
AB reports and other publications.   
 
3. Maintain and continuously update the ABS Editorial Rules and Style Guide in line with 
current publishing practice and established WTO styles; maintain and regularly u pdate tables of 
legal citati ons; represent the ABS on internal WTO committees dealing with editorial style and 
standards; keep abreast of  relevant  international developments and editing conventions.  
 
4. Under the supervision of lawyers, compile  relevant excerpts , edit, and prepare data and 
annexes for the Appellate Body Repertory of Reports and Awards, liaising with the WTO 
publications team and the external publisher as necessary.  
 
5. Provide back-up registry and other support  for appellate proceedings . In that capacity, 
contribute to preparing for and ensuring  a smooth transition from the current file management 
system to the Digital Dispute Settlement Registry , and p rovide back-up administrat or support once 
the new Registry has been implemented.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Educatio n: 
 
Completion of secondary education. In addition, r elevant p ost-secondary training , in particular as 
an editor  (e.g. certificate and/or certification in editing)  or paralegal  (e.g. paralegal certificate 
and/or certification)  or demonstrated relevant  ability acquired through experience  – preferably in  
a legal setting  - is required.  Training in document management would also be an asset .  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Excellent editing and proofreading skills; attention to detail and accuracy; the ability to tho roughly 
verify information, references, quotations, and citations.  
 
Ability to work to strict deadlines , and to  prioritize and manage multiple tasks; the ability to work 
independently  with little supervision , to exercise initiative and good judgement,  to engage in 
ongoing review of relevant practices , tools  and systems, and to continuously propose and 
implement improvements . 
 
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to plan , coordinate , and oversee  work, and maintain 
good working relationships,  with a wi de range of individuals and teams . The ability to substantiate  
and explain  editorial decisions or drafting sugges tions with tact and sensitivity, and to provide 
clear and detailed guidance and training to all levels of staff on matters of style.  
 
The abil ity to follow rules of conduct , ensure the protection of confidential information,  and 
exercise tact and discretion in dealing , in particular,  with Appellate Body Members and delegates.   
 
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; the abil ity to explain information, often 
of a detailed  nature, clearly to a variety of audiences.  
 
Knowledge of the WTO in general , and familiarity  with the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and 
WTO covered agreements, Rules of Conduct, and Working Procedures for  Appellate Review  would 
be an asset.  
 
Document management skills and a demonstrated ability to handle complex and voluminous files. 
Experience with the use of document management software  and / or  with electronic databases 
would be an asset.  
 
Expertise in MS suite of applications, including proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and  
Outlook.  
 
 OFFICE( 17)/54 
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Work Experience:  
 
At least ten years of relevant professiona l experience, including at least three years of substantial 
experience in  proofreading  and editing , in the private or public sector, or in an international 
organization.  Experience in legal editing would be an advantage.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of  English  (mother -tongue level proficiency)  is essential, including the a bility 
to communicate precisel y and concisely orally and in writing . Good working knowledge of French 
and/or Spanish 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 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 18 months, and m ay 
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 – 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.