OFFICE(1 7)/69 
17-4282 
 
  
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 di versity.  
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Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/17-55 Issued on:  21 August  2017 
 
Title:  Staff Welfare officer (50%)  Application Deadline (CET):  18 September  2017 
 
Grade:  8 
  Division:  Human Resou rces Division  
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 56,484 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, se paration 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: 
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/comp_package_e.pdf . 
 
 
THIS VACANCY NOTICE IS A RE -ISSUANCE OF VN EXT/F/17 -22 IN ORDER TO WIDEN 
THE POOL OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. THE VACANCY NOTICE REFLECTS SOME MINOR 
CHANGES TO THE "KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS" AND "LANGUAGES" REQUIREMENTS.  
 
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Staff Welfare Officer on a part -
time basis ( 50% ) in the Human Resources Division.   The Staff Welfare Officer works on 
the basis of the professional code of ethics, with which professional integrity and 
confidentiality are amongst the highest requirements.  
 
General Functions  
 
Reporting to the Director of the Human Resources Division , the incumbent will have the following 
responsibilities:  
 
1. Provide psychosocial support and counselling on a confidential basis to staff members having 
difficulties in personal matters such as health, family and work  related problems with a view to 
finding practical solutions and make referrals to the mediators when applicable.  
 
2. Provide assistance and advice to newcomers and their family on issues related to living and 
working conditions in the Geneva area, such as ho using, schooling, work permits for spouses and 
household employees , etc. and participate in the induction programmes.  
 
3. Assist staff and their famil ies at the time of their retirement or separation from service , plan 
and organize the WTO annual pre -retireme nt seminar and attend the ILO annual pre -retirement 
seminar . 
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  4. Maintain regular contacts with the Swiss Cantonal Authorities (Swiss Mission, Office Cantonal 
de la Population, etc ) as well as the relevant French author ities in order to maintain up to date 
knowledge about their policies related to the WTO staff legal status in Switzerland and France 
(household employees , extended families residence status, retirement rights etc.) . 
 
5. Liaise with the Occupational Health Service (OHS) on illness, health problems o r disability 
situations  and attend the regular meetings of the Medical Insurance Ma nagement Committee  
(MIMC) . 
 
6. Act as member of the Staff Assistance Fund  to assist staff members in situations of 
exceptional financial emergency . 
 
7. Establish and maintain cont acts with the UN Bodies ( International Civil Servants Mutual 
Association  (MEC), Association of Retirees, etc.) in order to be up to date with their social policies 
as well as to alert the WTO when such policies have specific interest for WTO Staff .   
 
 
8. Produce and update a guide to the local ameni ties, regularly update information posted on 
the intranet system, facilitating access to housing information and local resources as appropriate.  
 
9. Carry out other duties as required . 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Educat ion: 
 
Advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in psychology, sociology, social work, 
social science or similar discipline .   
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Counselling skills.   
A strong degree of cultural awareness and capacity to positively in teract with people of diverse 
backgrounds . 
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively . Ability to listen actively and empathize .   
Ability to work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to  achieve 
his/her objectives . 
Ability to face and cope with conflict situations with colleagues . 
Ability to initiate and build relationships with a variety of people both inside and outside the 
organization.  
High sensitivity to diversity, integrity and confidentiality.  
Qualities of diplom acy, tact, discretion and judgement are essential.   
Good knowledge of HR practices, rules and policies.   
 
 
Work Experience:  
 
At least five years of directly relevant experience, preferably with exposure to an international and 
multi-cultural environment.    
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of English or French (oral and written) and  a very good knowledge of the 
other , to be able to counsel, have formal converstaions with internal clients and external partners, 
and to draft informal and formal documents .  Knowledge of 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.  
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  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 may 
subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for addit ional 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.o rg. 
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 vac ancy announcement.  
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE  
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED  
 
The WTO is a non -smoking environment.