OFFICE(17 )/80 
17-4512 
 
 
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 div ersity.  
______________________________________________________________________  
 
Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/L/17-56 Issued on:  23 August  2017      
 
Title:  Economic Affairs Officer  Application Deadline (CET):  20 September  2017      
 
Grade:  7  
 Division:  Marke t Access Division  
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 89,939  net per annum  
(approximate)  Duration:  One year with the possibility of 
extension  subject to fully satisfactory  performance 
of the incumbent , continued need for the functions  
and co ntinued availability  of funds.    
 
 
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 e xpenses 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  
 
 
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Economic Affairs Officer in the 
Market Access  Division to assist in technical cooperation and capacity building wor k with 
regard to the administration of a grant program, as well as other activities of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF).  
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Market Access  Division and the supervision of th e 
Counsellor responsible for the TFAF , the incumbent will be required to:  
 
1. Guide the development of and review applications for TFAF project  implementation grants  
and project preparation grants (PPGs),  and advise potential applicants about the requireme nts for 
submission of applications , criteria used for their review , and provide feedback on applications 
received. Contract projects and PPGs approved, provide oversight of project and PPG 
implementation and evaluation , as required , including reporting and  financial oversight.  Maintain 
records of all applications received.  
 
2. Support the development and implementation of the annual work plan of the TFAF. Develop 
working procedures for the TFAF funding mechanism, including providing support to elaborat e the 
TFAF Grant Program Operational Guidelines, development of templates for grant reviews, 
development of publication plan  for grant -related information on the TFAF website.  
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  3. Cooperate closely with donor Members and international and regional organizations  involved 
in trade facilitation implementation work  in order to conduct matchmaking a nd for contracting 
projects . 
 
4. Provide assistance on communications and outreach activities, including preparation of 
project results stories, briefing notes and other m aterials documenting experiences and good 
practice in TFA capacity building, and working with the TFAF web  coordinator  to update content 
and relevant sections of the TFAF website  in this regard . Prepare reports, memos and briefing 
materials on the TFAF gra nt program for senior management, TFAF partners, donors and 
beneficiaries.  
 
5.  Conduct  national, regional and multilateral workshops, seminars or symposia with particular 
focus on matchmaking and the difficulties fac ed by  developing countries in the imple mentation of 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement . 
 
6. Work closely with the TFAF team to develop and conduct activities and create products that 
support implementation of the TFA overall as well as the grant program . 
 
7. Assist with other TFAF activities such as drafting of reports and speeches, conducting and 
developing materials for workshops and training courses, etc.  
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
An advanced university degree in economics, law, business administration , customs  or another 
relevant field, or a basic university degree combined with proven professional knowledge and 
expertise  equivalent to an advanced university degree in the aforementioned domain(s) . 
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Very good  knowledge of customs procedures . 
Very good  understanding of the problems faced by developing countri es in the implementation of 
trade facilitation reforms.   
Good understanding of the functioning of the WTO  would be a strong asset . 
Excellent analytical skills.  
Excellent writing skills, including abilit y to produce information materials and pr oducts for different 
audiences.  
Good organizational skills.  
The following interpersonal capabilities are required: Ability to communicate information in a clear 
way and to understand information ; to present techni cal facts to knowledgeable specialised 
audiences ; to work independently, under tight deadlines, and to cooperate with others in a diverse 
multicultural environment ; to initiate and build relationships with a variety of people both inside 
and outside the organization ; to exercise tact and discretion and to maintain confidentiality.  
 
Work Experience:  
 
A minimum of three years ' relevant experience in the administration and management of technical 
cooperation projects . Experience in project management including  managing or overseeing a 
capacity building project is required. Experience in customs related projects would be an 
advantage . 
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of English  and either French or Spanish , including the ability to draft 
accurately, concisely an d rapidly and to make effective presentations. Working knowledge of a 
third WTO language (French or Spanish)  is considered a  strong asset . 
 
Additional Information:  
 
The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the 
required qualifications.  OFFICE(17 )/80 
 
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  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 ro ster for up to 18 months, and may 
subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional 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 online appl ication 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.