OFFICE(11)/52 
11-5737 
 
 
The recruitment policy of the WTO shall be to  seek to attract and retain staff members 
offering the highest standards of comp etence, efficiency and integrity. 
As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity. 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Vacancy Notice No.:   EXT/L/11-31 Issued On:   9 December 2011 
 
Title:   Head of Communications  Application Deadline (CET):   23 January 
2012  
Grade:   8 
 Division:   Enhanced Integrated Framework  
Executive Secretariat 
(LT10) Contract Type:   Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:   CHF 118,600 net per annum 
(approximate)  Duration:   One year.  The contract may be 
renewed subject to the fully satisfactory 
performance of the incumbent and the 
continued 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 a ttractive 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 the position of Head of Communications in the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Executive Secretariat, administratively housed in the 
WTO.  Serving staff members interested in th e position are also invited to apply. 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the direction and supervision of the Executiv e Director of the EIF Executive Secretariat, the 
incumbent's duties will focus on providing leadership and support in the implementation of the EIF 
communication strategy.  This will entail ensuring that all communication efforts support all aspects 
of the program delivery including working with EIF countries to deliver national communication 
plans and managing a communications capacity build ing programme at country level.  The position 
will also take a lead in advocacy efforts on the EIF at  the global level, building networks with partners 
as well as showcasing results, raising the profile a nd boosting knowledge of the EIF and overseeing 
wider press, publicity and online activities.   
 Specific responsibilities include, inter alia , the following: 
 1. Enhancing the EIF delivery through: OFFICE(11)/52 
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  - Providing technical communications input a nd guidelines to EIF countries on their national 
communications efforts alongside exchanging good practice examples. 
- Rolling out a series of capacity building effort s and training to EIF countries, that supports 
countries' engagement with national stakeholde rs and partners with targeted awareness 
raising, advocacy and outreach activities. 
- Advocating the EIF to existing and potentia l donors, agencies, government, private sector, 
civil society and the media through, among other areas, maintaining a high profile presence and engagement at global, re gional and national platforms. 
 
2. Showcasing results, raising the profile and bo osting knowledge of the EIF to build wider 
constituency of support through: 
 
- Maintaining strategic oversight of the EIF pr ess, publicity and digital plans managed by the 
Communications Officer to include new discussion fora and social media.  
- Leading the creative input into future work plans in all areas in the core languages and 
providing training to the EIF core team on wider communications efforts as needed. 
- Providing high-level strategic opportunities a nd influencing briefs for the EIF Executive 
Director to build media profile in interviews , high-level representation and other as required. 
 
3. Supporting EIF governing bodies (EIF Board and EIF Steering Committee) by providing 
administrative support to the EIF Board and EIFSC. 
 
4. Undertaking EIF-related missions to  LDCs or elsewhere as required. 
 
5. Assisting in supporting coun try coordinators as required. 
 
6. Performing any other tasks that may be assi gned as part of the work of the EIF Executive 
Secretariat     
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 In addition to a basic university degree, theore tical knowledge and/or proven professional expertise 
equivalent to an advanced university degree leve l in Communications or International Relations-
related field is required.  
 
Knowledge: 
 
Sound knowledge of trade and related development issues is desired.  Core skills include excellent 
communication and interpersonal skills with prov en influencing and negotiating skills in a multi-
stakeholder environment together with strong planning, analytical and team management 
competencies.  
Work Experience: 
 
Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience require d, including proven prof essional expertise in 
communications at international level; development focus strongly preferred.  Expertise in designing 
and delivering communications strategies, communi cations operational experience at country and 
international level is an advantage.   
Languages: 
 
Excellent knowledge of oral and written English and very good working knowledge of French are 
required.  OFFICE(11)/52 
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  Additional Information: 
 
The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet the required qualifications.   
The position requires frequent travel to EIF countries.  
 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
All applicants are encouraged to apply as s oon as possible after the vacancy has been posted 
and well before the closing date - Central Eu ropean Time (CET) - stated in the vacancy 
announcement. 
 
Please click here  for the application form. 
 
If you are unable to download the application form, please send an  
e-mail or fax to the Human Resources Division requesting the form. 
 
A completed form may also be submitted to the following address: 
 
Director, Human Resources Division WTO Centre William Rappard 
154, rue de Lausanne 
CH-1211  Geneva  21 Switzerland E-mail:  humanresources@wto.org Fax:  +41 22 739 5772 
 
Please do not send applications via multiple routes,  It is not necessary to follow 
your application up with copies of qualifications, previous employment contract, 
online publications, etc. 
 
Candidates must indicate clearly in S ection 15 of the application form 
the Vacancy Notice No.  EXT/L/11-31  
 
Applications will not be acknowledged. 
Only applicants possessing the required qualifica tions will be taken into consideration. 
Only successful candidates will be notified of the outcome of the competition. 
 
Candidates are kindly requested to refrain from enquiring 
about the progress of their application.   
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE 
CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED 
 
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.