OFFICE(1 7)/73 
17-4364 
 
 
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.  
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Vacancy Notice No.:   EXT/F/1 7-51 Issued on:   14 August  2017 
 
Title:   Legal Affairs Officer  Application Deadline (CET):   11 September 2017 
 
Grade:   6 
 Division:   Council and T rade Negotiations 
Committee (425) 
 Contract Type:   Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:   CHF 83,941  net per 
annum  (approximate)  Duration:   Two years with the possibility of 
extension  
 
Other 
Conditions:  In accordance with WTO Staff Regulations and Staff Rules a nd 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, heal th 
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 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 Legal Affairs Officer  in the  
Council and TNC Divis ion.  Serving staff members interested in the position are also 
invited to apply.  
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Counsellor  responsible for managing the Dispute Settlement Body 
(DSB) , the incumbent will deliver the following key accounta bilities:  
 
1. Assisting in  organiz ing all DSB meetings , including monitor ing  of all deadlines pertaining to 
the operation of the dispute settlement mechanism in order to prepare Agendas of meetings, 
speaking notes for the Chairman ,  draft reports from DS B meetings and minutes of meetings.  
 
2. Assisting in providing advice and support to the DSB Chairman in order to ensure that the 
DSB meetings run smoothly and that all procedural and legal requirements under the DSU are 
met.   
 
3. Assisting in providing advice to delegations regarding the DSB practices and to respond to 
queries regarding the DSU provisions.  
 
4. Assisting in preparation of the Annual Report of the DSB.  
 
5. Participating  in the organization and servicing of the Ministerial Conference.  
 
 
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6. Support ing technical assistance activities rela ted to the work of the Division and in particular 
dispute settlement activities.  
 
7. Participating  in and contribut ing to other activities of the Division.  
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
An advanced un iversity degree in law, international relations, economics, or another relevant field , 
or a basic university degree combined with relevant professional experience that is equivalent to 
an advanced university degree.  
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Good knowledge of dispute settlement provisions contained in the DSU and relevant WTO 
Agreements, the DSB practices, precedents and rules of procedure for meetings of the DSB.  
 
Knowledge of and experience at national and/or international levels in the  field of WTO law an d 
practice .  
 
Good technical and analytical skills , as well as excellent  drafting skills (e.g. 
correspondence/reports, records of meetings, background notes and legal opinions ). 
 
Excellent organizational skills to plan and coordinate meetings bearing in mi nd strict legal and 
procedural deadlines.  
 
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel.  
 
Ability to work in a diplomatic environment and interact with high -level dip lomats and legal 
experts.  
 
Ability to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines.  
 
The following interpersonal capabilities are required: relate to and build relationships with 
colleagues;   communicate information in a clear way and understand information ;  and work 
as a member of a team, relating to other s, while working independently to achieve his/her 
objectives.  
  
Work Experience:  
 
Minimum two years' r elevant professional experience  at the national or international level.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent speaking and writing skills in English .  Knowledge of anoth er  WTO language (Spanish  or 
French ) 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 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( 17)/73 
 
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APPLICANTS MAY BE R EQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION  
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APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW  
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Please not e 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 a pply 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.