OFFICE(13)/47 
13-5386 
 
 
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. 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/13-28 Issued on:  7 October 2013 
 
Title:  Dispute Settlement Lawyer Application Deadline (CET):  31 October 
2013 
 
Grade:  7 
 Division:  Appellate Body Secretariat 
Contract Type:  Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 90,429 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_p ackage_e.pdf.  
  
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to f ill two positions of Dispute Settlement Lawyer 
in the Appellate Body Secretariat. Serving st aff members interested in the position are 
also invited to apply.  
 
General Functions  
 1. Under the supervision of senior lawyers, deliver substantive technical and legal advice and 
assistance to Appellate Body Members. 
 2. Under the supervision of senior lawyers, co nduct research on complex substantive technical 
and legal issues arising in the context of appella te proceedings and arbitrations. Prepare written 
analyses of these and related issues as required.   
3. Report, upon request and as appropriate, to Appellate Body Members, and to the Director of 
the Appellate Body Secretariat, on the activities of WTO bodies, in particular, the Dispute Settlement Body.   
 
4. Deliver technical assistance and training on the substance and implementation of WTO agreements and dispute settlement practices and procedures; make presentations in academic 
conferences and other settings. Contribute to the development of training materials, internal 
research materials, and WTO publications.   
 OFFICE(13)/47 
- 2 - 
 
  
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education:  An advanced university degree in law, including studies in international trade law and public 
international law. Studies in international economics would be an advantage, as would be a licence 
or eligibility to be licensed to practice law in at least one municipal jurisdiction.  
Knowledge and Skills: 
 Knowledge of international trade law, the WTO agreements, and WTO jurisprudence. Familiarity 
with international legal and economic principles and issues, and with adjudicative processes and 
practice, in particular those of the WTO. Excellent research, drafting and analytical skills an d the ability to pay close attention to detail. The 
ability to present thoughts in a logical, succinct, and coherent manner, both orally and in written 
form; to work independently as well as cooperate with others in a diverse international setting; to 
persuade others through sound argumentation and advice while remaining flexible and open to different points of view and evolving approaches; to meet strict deadlines within a dynamic work 
environment. Highly developed tact and discretion an d the ability to adhere rigorously to set rules 
of conduct ensuring confidentiality, impartiality and an absence of conflicts of interest.  
Work Experience: 
 A minimum of three years of relevant practical experience in the area of international trade law, preferably with a mixture of private/public/academic sector work. Experience in national or 
international trade-related litigation and/or within judicial institutions, quasi-judicial agencies or 
trade remedies authorities of Members would be an asset.  
Languages: 
 Excellent English, including a demonstrated ability to write accurately, concisely, clearly and within 
tight deadlines. Good knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable. 
 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. 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
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. 
 
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. 
 OFFICE(13)/47 
- 3 - 
 
 Offline applications should be sent to: 
 
Director, Human Resources Division 
WTO Centre William Rappard 154, rue de Lausanne 
CH-1211 Geneva 21 
Switzerland 
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE 
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED 
 
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.