OFFICE( 18)/2 
18-0528 
 
 
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 dive rsity. 
______________________________________________________________________  
 
Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/1 8-3 Issued on:  22 January  2018 
 
Title:  Secretary  Application Deadline (CET):  19 February  2018 
 
Grade:  3 
 Division:  Economic Research and Statistics  
(396)  
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 59,898  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 compensa tion 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 Secre tary in the Economic 
Research and Statistics Division . 
 
The Economic Research and Statistics Division provides economic analysis and research in support 
of the WTO’s operational activities, including monitoring and reporting on current economic news 
and de velopments. It carries out economic research on broader policy -related topics in connection 
with the WTO’s work programme, as well as on other WTO -related topics of interest to delegations 
arising from the on -going integration of the world economy, the spr ead of market -oriented 
reforms, and the increased importance of economic issues in relations between countries.  On the 
statistics side, the division supports WTO members and the Secretariat with quantitative 
information in relation to economic and trade po licy issues.  
 
 
General Functions  
 
Reporting to the Administrative Assistant, the Secretary will have the following responsibilities:  
 
1. Respond to telephone and e -mail requests for information  and support  from the Economic 
Research and Statistics Divisio n (ERSD ), other Divisions within the WTO , and outside bodies. Draft 
e-mail correspondence ; and put together information to prepare office documents including 
country briefings, memoranda  for Deputy Director -General , Back -to-Office Reports etc. , and 
circula tion of same.  
 
2. Carry out a range of secretarial and administrative tasks supporting Divisional activities . 
Assist with the organization of meetings and conferences which may include meeting room 
reservations, preparation and maintenance of participant l ists, preparation of relevant meeting 
documents, etc. Carry out p reparatory work for Divisional mission travel as required, including 
logistics and follow -up on mission reports.  OFFICE( 18)/2 
 
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3. Assist in the preparation of documents and publications of the Division, w hich may include 
formatting, editing and proofreading of text, creating graphs and tables in E xcel as well as  
formatting of bibliographies.  
 
4. Organize and manage files and records relating to Divisional activities . 
 
5. Carry out administrative tasks as a ssigned by the Administrative Assistant ; provide back -up 
support in the absence of the Administrative Assistant , as required . 
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Completed secondary education; secretarial qualifications.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Secretar ial skills : 
Word processing skills, Excel spreadsheet skills and proficie ncy in MS suite of applications . 
Demonstrated willingness to master standard IT tools used in WTO secretarial work.  
Ability to format documents according to set guidelines . 
 
Core organizational skills : 
Planning and Organization:  Sets priorities and organizes work in an effective manner. Ability to 
deal with multiple tasks and to work  within  flexible  (i.e. can manage and stay on multiple tasks)  
and tight  (i.e. can adapt to focus on very  pressing)  deadlines.  
Anticipation and Initiative:  Engages in effective planning to maximise performance and avoid 
setbacks.  
Teamwork: Works as a member of the ERSD Secretariat team  and engages effectively and 
productively with all Division , Secretariat st aff and outside parties , but also able to work 
independently when required in order to achieve his/her objectives.  
Adaptability: Is capable of  working in a multi -cultural environment  in an evolving, cross -cutting, 
collaborative structure . 
 
Core interperson al skills :  
Communication: Communicate s information in a clear way and to understand and correctly 
interpret information received  (written, oral).  Demonstrates diplomacy, tact , and discretion.  
Problem solving: Is capable of  identify ing problems  and coming up with possible solutions , and 
seeking additional guidance from supervisor.  
 
Work Experience:  
 
Minimum 2 years' experience, preferably in an international organization or a government ministry 
environment.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent speaking and writing skill s in Englis h and advanced skills in French are required. 
Knowledge of  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 o r 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( 18)/2 
 
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  __________________________________________________ ____________________  
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 provide s 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.