OFFICE(11)/29 
11-2579 
 
 
The recruitment policy of the WTO is 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/F/11-20 Issued On:   24 May 2011 
 
Title:   Head of Staff Administrative Services  Application Deadline (CET): 21 June 2011  
 
Grade:   9 
 
Contract Type:   Fixed-term 
 Division:   Human Resources 
(343) 
Starting Salary:   CHF 140,900 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 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 the Staff Administrative 
Services in the Human Resources Division.  Servin g staff members interested in the position are 
also invited to apply. 
 
 
General Functions  
 
The job holder will lead the Staff Administrative Se rvices (SAS) section within the Human Resources 
Division (HRD).  Specific accountabilities will include: 
 1. Lead the team to provide professional human resource administrative services to management 
and staff according to specified timeframes and pol icy standards as set out in the WTO Staff Rules 
and Regulations.  Develop and im plement a client-focused service delivery model, including quality 
standards in the provision of human resource services. 
 2. Actively manage the operational decision- making and procedures related to the 
administration of benefits and entitlements, and supp orting payroll and salary distribution.  Implement 
continuous improvements in the development a nd issuance of updated HR policy, procedures and 
processes, particularly in the area of administration of benefits and entitlements.   
 OFFICE(11)/29 
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  3. Manage human resource contracts for new recru its, and contract renewals, as well as contract 
elements and policies related to transfers, mob ility, secondments, special leave and separations from 
service.  Manage the WTO Health Insurance contract .  Continuously streamline and improve contract 
management processes and procedures. 
 
4. Manage human resource and employee-related da ta, information and reporting requirements;  
manage the production of regular, high quality sta tistical reports covering staff administration, 
contract management and other relevant human r esource activities.  Manage and maintain the human 
resource-related information tec hnology requirements and specifications, including via external 
service providers.  
 5. Deputise for the Director of HRD as required.  Represent the HR Division and the WTO 
externally to various stakehol ders and external providers. 
 6. Ensure that HR skills and knowledge are main tained and developed among the staff in SAS. 
 
7. Support the Director of HRD in the development of HR strategy by providing input based on 
the experience of applying policy and practice.   
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 
An advanced university degree or equivalent with  a focus on Human Resour ces Management (HRM), 
Public Administration or other relevant field.  A recognised professional qualification in HRM would 
be an advantage.   
 
Knowledge, skills and competencies: 
 
Excellent, up to date knowledge of HRM practice in a broad range of HR areas.  Famili arity with HR 
policies in public, international organizations or private sector would be an advantage.  Strong 
leadership and management skills and proven abilit y to motivate and manage a multicultural team.  
Good judgement and decision-making ability.  Fam iliarity and experience with a range of Human 
Resource Information Systems.  Able to take initia tive, innovate, implement change.  A strong results 
focus and strong drive for operational and service excellence.  Excellent writing skills, including 
drafting of operational policies and procedures.  Strong customer and service orientation.  Solid 
financial and analytical skills.  Good communication and presentation skills and an ability to interact 
with stakeholders at different levels.  
 
Experience: 
 
At least eight years' relevant experience, including in the area of HRM, preferably in both the private 
and public sector.  Strong management and solid ad ministrative operational experience.  Strong client 
focus and business sense, as well as solid contract management experience.  Experience in implementing change and modernising administ rative functions.  Experience in results-based 
management and process redesi gn would be an advantage. 
 
Languages: 
 
The WTO has three official languages, English, French and Spanish.  Excellent knowledge of 
English, including an ability to write accurate ly, precisely and quickly, as well as a good working 
knowledge of either French or Spanish are required.   Good knowledge of the third official language 
would be an advantage.  OFFICE(11)/29 
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Additional Information: 
 
The position may be offered at a lower grade if th e 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 encour aged 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 on line as soon as possible after the vacancy has 
been posted and well before the closing date – Cent ral European Time (CET) stated in the vacancy 
announcement. 
 
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.