OFFICE(17 )/62 
17-3964 
 
 
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/17 -43 Issued on:  19 July 2017  
 
Title:  Economic Affairs Officer  Application Deadline (CET):  16 August 2017  
 
Grade:  6 
 Division:  Accessions  
(183) 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 83,941  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), depe ndency 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, ren tal subsidy, 
and home leave.  
Additional information on the compensation 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 Economic Affairs Officer in the 
Accessions Division . This is an entry level professional position.  
 
The Accessions Division works to facilitate the negotiations between WTO members and 
states and entities requesting accession to the WTO by encouraging their integration 
into the multilateral trading system through the effective liberalization of their trade 
regimes in goods and services; and to act as a focal point in widening the scope and 
geographical coverage of the WTO . 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Director of the Division, the incumbent will undertake the following 
responsibilities:  
 
1. Function as Secretary/Co -Secretary of at least three accession Working Parties; 
responsibilities include assisting in the servicing of Working Party meetings; drafti ng Chairperson's 
Notes, Working Party Reports, agenda, summary reports; preparing Accession Packages (i.e.  
Working Party Reports and Schedules of Goods and Services).  
 
2. Provide information to delegations and advise senior management on accession -related  
matters.  
 
3. Assist in organizing and preparing accession -related technical assistance and capacity -
building activities, including in close coordination with relevant Divisions.  
 
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  4. Conduct research and analysis of economic and trade -related issues concer ning accessions.  
 
5. Participate in and contribute to other activities of the Division, as required.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Advanced university degree economics, international relations or another relevant field.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Strong drafting skills, which demonstrate the ability to analyse, communicate clearly, and pay 
close attention to the detai l. Ability to research and organize background material; and, the ability 
to prepare and review briefs and reports on accession - and trade -related issues.  
 
A good understanding of the requirements of WTO accession and the commitments involved in 
WTO Agreements is required.  Good knowledge of WTO legal instruments and the Uruguay Round 
Multilateral and Plurilateral Trade Agreements is es sential.  
 
Ability to work swiftly and accurately under the pressure of deadlines ; ability to meet strict 
deadlines within a dynamic work environment.  Time management and prioritization skills.   
Ability to communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand 
ideas when communicated by others . 
Ability to make fact -based presentations to knowledgeable specialised audiences . 
 
Ability to work independently as well as cooperate with others in a diverse international setting as 
a member of a team.    
Political sensitivity and awareness; tact and diplomacy; the ability to initiate and build 
relationships with acceding governments, WTO members, and various types of stakeholders and 
partners; the ability to adhere rigorously to rules of  conduct ensuring confidentiality, impartiality 
and an absence of conflicts of interest . 
 
Work Experience:  
 
A minimum of two years of professional experience in the area of trade, accessions or  
international relations in academia, Governmental Institution s and/or International Organisations.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of English is required, including the ability to draft accurately, concisely and 
rapidly.  A good knowledge of at least one of the other two WTO working languages (French and 
Spanish) would be an asset.  
 
Additional Information:  
 
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 12 months, and may 
subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.  OFFICE(17 )/62 
 
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  ______________________________________________________________________  
APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMI NATION  
______________________________________________________________________  
APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW  
______________________________________________________________________  
Please note that all candidates must com plete 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 possibl e 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.