OFFICE( 19)/18 
19-1317 
 
 
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 -15 Issued on:  11 March  2019 
 
Title:  Dispute Settlement Registry Assistant  Application Deadline (CET):  8 April 2019 
 
Grade:  4 
 Division:  Legal Affairs  
(478) 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 64,579  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 insura nce), 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 Dispute  Settlement  (DS)  Regis try 
Assistant in the Legal Affairs Division. The DS Registry is the focal point for 
communications between the WTO Members that are p arties  to a dispute  and WTO dispute 
settlement p anelists in on -going dispute settlement procedures.  This is a full -time 
position (8:30 to 17:30 ). 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the guidance of the DS Registrar, the incumbent will be expected to undertake the following 
support tasks in the DS Registry:  
 
1. Process legal submissions and exhibits. This task incl udes: a) processing incoming 
correspondence by logging date and time, verifying files, saving copies, and sending them to 
respective WTO panels/ arbitrators; b) organizing electronic and physical files; c) cataloguing all the 
information in Excel spread she ets; d) sending packages by courier; and e) updating DS Registry 
records.  
 
2. Assist in keeping DS Registry resources updated. Update different DS Registry resources , 
including the DS Registry calendar, the directory of DS delegates, and the panelists'/ arbitrators' 
contact details, etc.  
 
3. Provide information and assistance on dispute settlement filing procedures and available 
electronic communication tools to parties , panelists, arbitrators, and WTO Secretariat staff .  
  
 
OFFICE( 19)/18 
 
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  4. Fulfil various functions related to the WTO case management software application , including: 
a) creating and managing user accounts;  b) assisting users in uploading and downloading documents  
and solving technical issues  encountered in that context ; c) entering  dispute -related  information ; d) 
uploading dispute records; e) verifying translation of the database interface; f) updating training 
materials; g) helping to organize  training sessions; and h) updat ing reference data . 
 
5. Follow the approp riate guidelines  for transfe rring dispute records either to the Appellate Body 
in case of appeal , or WTO  archives .  
 
6. On occasion, the DS Registry assistant may also be called upon to assist with administrative  
or secretarial tasks outside the DS Registry, including by providing: a ) editorial support in ensuring 
that dispute settlement documents conform to established editorial standards; b) support to the 
depositary assistant; c) support in connection with the updating of general DS resources, i.e. training 
materials or DS statisti cal reports ; and d) support in connection with formatting documents.  
 
7. Cover all the DS Registry functions in the absence of the DS Registrar.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Completion of secondary school or equivalent technical or commercial school. Proof of c lerical and/or 
document management training or experience  will be considered an asset . Specialized training or 
work experience  of manag ing databases and/or dispute settlement issues would be an asset.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical skills:  
 
General knowledge of the WTO. Basic knowledge of WTO dispute settlement procedures would be 
an asset.  
  
Excellent knowledge of the standard MS Office  software applications, notably Excel, but also Word, 
PowerPoint, Outlook,  One Note, and Adobe Acrobat. Knowledge of database applications, case 
management software or electronic filing will be an asset.  
 
Excellent communication skills in English, includin g ability to draft routine communications following 
established precedents and guidelines.  
 
Behavioural skills:  
 
Excellent organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail; ability to manage time 
efficiently and prioritize to discharge m ultiple tasks at the same time and meet deadlines; ability to 
work within strict deadlines and under pressure; ability to manage large volumes of documents.  
 
Tact and discretion and the ability to adhere rigorously to requirements of confidentiality; diplomacy 
when dealing with delegates and adjudicators; and ability to work independently, exercise initiative 
and judgement while working within established guidelines and instructions .  
 
The following interpersonal skills are required: ability to relate to an d build relationships with 
colleagues; ability to communicate clearly; flexibility to adapt to the needs of the Division;  ability to 
handle disagreements with colleagues with courtesy and professionalism; and an open a ttitude to 
work as a member of a diver se team, while working independently to achieve agreed objectives .  
 
Work Experience:  
 
At least t hree years  of relevant experience working in administrative support tasks , preferably  in an 
international environment.  
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  Languages:  
 
Excellent  English  is required  (at a level corresponding or equivalent to a minimum of C1 according 
to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) ). Knowledge of French 
and/or Spanish  will be an advantage . 
 
Shortlisted candidates will be assessed on thei r language skills as part of the selection process and 
may be asked to provide proof of their language skills under a recognized framework (e.g. CEFR, 
IELTS, UN Language Proficiency Exam, etc.).  
 
 
Additional Information:  
 
Only applications from nationals o f 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 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 -Recruitme nt 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.