OFFICE( 18)/72 
18-5749 
 
 
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/L/18-47 Issued on:  18 September 2018      
 
Title:  Economic Affairs Officer  Application Deadline (CET):  16 October 2018  
 
Grade:  6 
 Division:  Agriculture and Commodities  
(LS06) 
Contract Type:  Fixed -term 
 
Starting Salary:  CHF 82,962  net per annum  
(approximate)  Duration:  Two years.  The cont ract may be 
renewed subject to fully satisfactory performance 
of the incumbent and the continued availability of 
funds  in the STDF Trust Fund .     
 
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 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 
Agriculture and Commodities Division to assist in technical cooperation and capacity 
building work, in particular with regard to the administration of the Standards and Trade 
Development Facility (STDF) . 
 
 
Genera l Functions  
 
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division  and the 
supervision of the Head of the STDF  and/or a senior officer in the STDF section , the incumbent will 
be required to:  
 
1. Assist in the review of appl ications for STDF projects and project preparation grants (PPGs) , 
develop ing terms of reference and prepar ing contracts for the implementation  of approved  projects 
and PPGs , and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of  project s and PPGs, including report ing and 
financial oversight . This will involve work in both English and French.  
 
2.     Assist in communications and outreach activities, including preparation of project results stories , 
briefing notes and other materials documenting experiences and good  practice in sanitary and 
phytosanitary ( SPS) capacity building, and update content and relevant sections of the STDF webiste 
in this regard.         
 
3. Participate in relevant national, regional and/or international workshops, seminars and other 
events, including in particular events focused on the implementation of the Agreement on the 
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  Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement)  to facilitate safe trade , and 
make presentations as appropriate.  
 
4. Generally  support the implementation of the STDF strategy and annual work plans, including 
support in prepar ing and organiz ing STDF meetings, preparation of reports, memos and briefings 
for senior management.  
 
In carrying out the functions above, the incumbent will  be expected to cooperate closely with STDF's 
other founding partner s, i.e. the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the 
World Organi sation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World 
Bank Group , as well as other relevant regional and international organizations , donors and 
beneficiaries . 
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  
 
Education:  
 
An advanced u niversity degree in economics, law, business administration, 
agriculture/veterinary/food science or other relevant field, or a basic university degree and proven 
professional knowledge and expertise equivalent to an advanced university degree in the 
aforem entioned domain(s) . 
 
Knowledge and Skills:  
 
Technical knowledge and skills:  
 
Knowledge and understanding of trade and development issues, including  the challenges faced by 
developing countries in the implementation of the SPS Agreement.  
Knowledge of Result s-Based Management (RBM) and its application in project design, management  
and implementation.  
General understanding of the functioning of the WTO.  
Excellent  analytical and writing skills, including ability to produce information materials and products 
for different audiences.  
Ability to analyse and synthesize technical information.  
 
Behavioural skills:  
 
Good organizational skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.  
The following capabilities are required: (i) to communicate information in a clear w ay; (ii) to present 
technical facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences;  (iii) to work as a member of a team, relating 
to others, while working independently t o achieve his/her objectives; ( iv) to initiate and build 
relationships with a variety of people  both inside and outside the organization; and (v) to exercise 
tact and discretion and to maintain confidentiality .  
 
Work Experience:  
 
At least two years of practical experience in the trade or development area. Experience in the 
preparation, implementati on, management and/or evaluation of technical cooperation projects 
would be an asset.  
 
Languages:  
 
Excellent knowledge of English and French, including the ability to dra ft accurately, con cisely and 
rapidly and to make effective presentations  in both langu ages. A working knowledge of Spanish 
would be an asset . 
 
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  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 12 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 no te 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.