OFFICE(1 7)/33 
17-1901 
 
  
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/17-22 Issued on:  7 April 2017 
 
Title:  Staff Welfare officer (50%)  Application Deadline (CET):  8 May 2017 
 
Grade:  8 
  Division:  Human Resources Divi sion 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 56,220  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 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.  
 
Gener al Functions  
 
Reporting to the D irector of the Human Resources Division , the incumbent will have the following 
responsibilities:  
 
1. Provide assistance and advice to newcomers and their family on issues related to living and 
working conditions in the Genev a area, such as housing, schooling, work permits for spouses and 
household employees , etc. and participate in the induction programmes.  
 
2. Assist staff and their famil ies at the time of their retirement or separation from service , plan 
and organize the WT O annual pre -retirement seminar and attend the ILO annual pre -retirement 
seminar . 
 
3. 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 t o 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.) . 
 
4. Liaise with the Occupational Health Service (OHS) on illness, health problems or disability 
situations  and attend the regular meetings of the Medical Insurance Ma nagement Committee  
(MIMC) . 
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  5. Act as member of the Staff Assistance Fund  to assist staff members in situations of 
exceptional financial emergency . 
 
6. Establish and maintain contacts 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 specifi c interest for WTO Staff .   
 
7. Provide psychosocial support and counselling on a confidential basis to staff members having 
difficulties in personal matte rs such as health, family and work related problems with a view to 
finding practical solutions  and ma ke referrals to the mediators  when applicable . 
 
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 o ther duties as required . 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
Advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in psychology, sociology, social work, 
social science or similar discipline .   
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Good knowledge of HR practices,  rules and policies.   
Excellent analytical skills . 
Counselling skills.  
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively .   
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 present technical facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences . 
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 diplomacy, tact, discretion and judgement are essential.   
 
Work Experience:  
 
At least five years of directly relevant experience, preferably with exposure to an international and 
multi-cultural envir onment.   
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of English or French with a very good knowledge of the other.  Knowledge of 
Spanish would be an asset . 
 
Additional Information:  
 
The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not full y meet all the 
required qualifications.  
 
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 18 months , and may 
subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.  OFFICE(1 7)/33 
 
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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 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.