OFFICE(15)/7 
15-0844 
 
 
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/15-3 Issued on:  10 Februrary 2015 
 
Title:  Communications Officer Application Deadline (CET):  10 March 
2015 
 
Grade:  6 
 Division:  Information and External 
Relations 
(50) Contract Type:  Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 84,399 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 _package_e.pdf . 
 
 
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Communications Officer in the 
Information and External Relations Division.   
 
General Functions  
 Under the supervision of a senior professional, the incumbent will undertake the following 
responsibilities: 
 1. Assist in preparing written communications, including speeches and articles, for the Director-
General (DG) and senior management. 
 2. Provide research and drafting support for all such communications.  
 
3. Assist in communications planning, including providing recommendations for events, as directed.  
4.      Keep abreast of latest developmen ts at the WTO, including strategic priorities. 
 5. Participate in and provide support to othe r activities of the Division, as required. 
 
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  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 Advanced university degree  in a relevant topic. 
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
Highly developed drafting skills, including the ability to vary writing style according to 
requirements.   Good knowledge of trade, economics, and international affairs; an understanding of and sensitivity 
to the varying interests and negotiating positions of Members. 
 Strong research and analytical skills.  
 
Time management skills; ability to multi-task - while maintaining excellent attention to detail.   
Tact and diplomacy. 
 Willingness to learn and adapt.    
The following interpersonal skills are required: relate to and build relationships with colleagues; 
communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand ideas when communicated by others; persuade others to a point of view using facts; present technical 
facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences; face and cope with conflict situations with 
colleagues; work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives. 
 
Work Experience:  Minimum two years' relevant experience in international trade, or similar issues, at the national 
and/or international level.  
 Experience writing speeches and/or articles for senior figures. 
 
Languages:  
Excellent speaking and writing skills in English are essential.  
 Working level of French and/or Spanish would be an asset.   
Additional Information: 
 [IMPORTANT] As part of the process, a writing sample of no more than 1,000 words illustrating 
your drafting skills is required (e.g. article, essa y, working paper, etc. – an extract of a longer 
document would be acceptable). After submitti ng your application through the E-Recruitment 
system, you must copy and paste your writing sample into an e-mail and address it without delay 
to HumanResources@wto.org  with the subject heading: EXT/F/15-3 – Writing Sample – First Name 
Last Name . Applications without a writing sample will not be considered.  
 Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 
______________________________________________________________________ 
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. OFFICE(15)/7 
 
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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. 
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE 
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED 
 
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.