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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. 
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Vacancy Notice No.:  EXT/F/14-4 Issued on:  17 April 2014 
 
Title:  Legal Officer Application Deadline (CET):  15 May 2014  
 
Grade:  6 
 Division:  Trade and Environment Division 
(189) 
Contract Type:  Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 84,399 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 fill th e position of Legal Officer in the Trade and 
Environment Division. Serving staff members in terested in the position are also invited 
to apply. 
 
 General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Director and senior staff members in the Division, the incumbent will: 
 1. Undertake research and analytical work in the field of trade and environment and technical 
barriers to trade on relevant legal, technical and policy issues, including support for the on-going 
negotiations on trade and environment.  
2. Assist with the servicing of the Committee on Trade and Environment both in regular and 
special sessions, and the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, and other relevant work of the Division.  
3. Under guidance of more senior staff in the Division, undertake technical assistance activities 
and training relating to trade and environment and technical barriers to trade as well as the provision of other assistance to Member governments. 
 
4. Assist with the servicing of panels in th e areas of trade and environment and technical 
barriers to trade, as required. 
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5. Contribute to keeping the Division abreast of developments in other relevant international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, the academic world, etc., in the 
areas under the Division's responsibility. 
  
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 Education: 
 
Advanced university degree in law, with a focus on international trade. Additional academic records in international environmental law or policy would be an asset.   
Knowledge and Skills: 
 Knowledge of international trade law, the WTO ag reements and WTO jurisprudence, international 
trade policy with a particular emphasis on environmental aspects. Professional and analytical 
interest in issues surrounding the trade and environment debate as reflected, for example, in relevant publications and professional initiatives, would be an asset.  
 
Good drafting and analytical skills, combined with ability to provide advice to government officials 
and colleagues from other WTO Divisions and international organizations seeking information.  Ability to work under pressure and meet tight de adlines within a dynamic work environment. Tact 
and discretion.  
 The following interpersonal capabilities are required: relate to and build relationships with 
colleagues; communicate and understand clear factual information; present technical facts to 
knowledgeable specialised audiences; and work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives. 
 
Work Experience:  Minimum two years' relevant work experience in international trade law and policy.  
 
Languages:  
Excellent knowledge of English and a very good know ledge of at least one of the other two official 
languages of the WTO (French and Spanish).  An ability to communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing, particularly in English, is an essential requirement. 
 
Additional Information:  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. 
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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.