06-0014               O F F I C E ( 0 6 ) / 2  
              4 January 2006  
 
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION 
 
WTO 
 
Geneva
 
 
Vacancy Notice No. 554  
  The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of HR Policy Counsellor (Organizational 
Development and Learning) in the Human Resources Division. Serving staff members interested in this 
position are also invited to apply.  The WTO is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
 TITLE AND GRADE: HR Policy Counsellor (Organizational Development and Learning), 
Grade 10
1 
 
STARTING SALARY:  Approximately Swiss Francs 152,900 net p.a. 
 OTHER CONDITIONS:  In accordance with WTO Staff Regul ations and Staff Rules and WTO 
Pension Plan Regulations. 
A package of expatriate benefits is available to staff recruited 
internationally. 
 
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed-term contract fo r two years, with possibility of extension. 
 GENERAL FUNCTIONS : Reporting to the Director, Human Resources Division, the incumbent 
will be responsible for coordina ting  with managers in the 
identification, design and implem entation of staff development 
strategies to support the WTO's goals.  The incumbent will be expected to design an innovative learning/career management strategy that aligns closely with the WTO' s organizational needs and allows 
staff to realise their potential.  
 
The incumbent will also be expected to contribute to the capability  of 
the organization to manage change , to implement career development 
and succession planning policies, to promote e-learning, to pursue the development of performance manageme nt and the facilitation of team 
building at all levels of the Organization. 
 
Key objectives will encompass: 
 
Strategy, Policy and Internal Consultancy Services
 
 
a) contribute to the development a nd implementation of the overall 
HR strategy, focusing in particular on organizational 
development, change management, HR policies, learning/development and career management; 
 
b) provide management with advice and support in identifying 
strategic opportunities for delivery of sound human resources 
                                                 
1 The post may be offered at a lower grade if the sele cted candidate does not fully meet all of the required 
qualifications. OFFICE(06)/2 
Page 2 
 
practices relating to, for instance, organizational change, staff 
recruitment, restructuring and work design, performance 
management and compensation incentives, staff learning and development, career management, working conditions and work-life balance. 
 
Partnerships and K nowledge Contribution
 
 
a) Keeps up to date with trends a nd best practice in the public and 
the private sectors; 
b) Proposes improvements to HR practice; 
c) Analyses organizational needs (including training) for the 
development and implementation of information, advocacy and 
communication tools; 
d) Raises awareness of line management to core HR issues; 
e) Coaches line management to ensure learning is applied 
systematically; 
f) Establishes and maintains partners hips with line management and 
staff representatives; 
g) Facilitates inter-organisational collaboration by representing the 
WTO in international bodies. 
 
Management Cycle  
 
a) Contributes to the development, and keeps track, of the annual 
HR workplan and budget; 
b) Continuously monitors implementation through the establishment 
of benchmarks and feedback mechanisms; 
c) Is accountable for the highest standards of integrity and equity in 
the management of assigned resources; 
d) Reviews workplan in line with monitoring findings, and evolving 
circumstances, as required. 
 
Impact of Key Accomplishments / Performance Indicators  
 
Successful leadership in the development of relevant HR policies and a career management and learning framework as part of a realistic HR strategy that will directly affect the ability of the WTO to deliver on its substantive mandate, and to attract , develop and retain staff of the 
highest calibre. 
 
Nature of Interactions
 
 
a) Advises on and explains HR concep ts and procedures, including 
to the senior management level; represents the Organization at 
external meetings; 
b) Promotes the introduction of new HR  practices. 
 REQUIRED An advanced university degr ee in human resources management,  
QUALIFICATIONS /  business / public administration, organizational development or a  
COMPETENCIES: related field.  At least 10 years of progressively responsible 
professional human resources experience with a specialization in organizational development, po licy design, compensation and 
rewards, job design/evaluation, learning and development and/or  career management, preferably in an international environment.  
Familiarity with devising and leading learning initiatives and   OFFICE(06)/2 
  Page 3 
 
development programmes.  Demons trated depth and breadth of 
understanding of HR issues and thei r relationship to organizational 
needs and priorities. Demonstrat ed ability to develop and follow 
through on HR initiatives.  A creativ e and imaginative approach with 
an incisive analytical ability, pe rsuasive coaching and communication 
skills combined with tact and diplomacy.  Strong commitment to achieve key objectives and outstanding relationship-building skills. 
 
LANGUAGES: An excellent knowledge of E nglish and French.  A good knowledge 
of Spanish would be an asset. 
 APPLICATIONS:
2 Please use the online application form which may be downloaded 
from the WTO website – www.wto.org  - under "vacancies".  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 
  W T O  
  Centre William Rappard 
    154, rue de Lausanne     1211 Geneva 21     S w i t z e r l a n d  
  E-mail:  humanresources@wto.org
               Fax:  +41-22-739 5772 
 
 Please do not send your application via multiple routes.  It is not 
necessary to follow your application up with copies of qualifications, 
previous employment contracts, entire publications, etc. 
 
 Candidates must indicate clearly in section 15 of the application form 
the Vacancy Notice No. 554. 
 
 Applications will not be acknowledge d.  Only applicants possessing 
the required qualifications will be take n into consideration.  Only the 
successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the 
competition. 
 
 Candidates are kindly requested to refrain from enquiring about 
progress of their application. 
 
CLOSING DATE OF THIS 15 February 2006  
VACANCY NOTICE:  No applications will be considered after this date. 
   
  The WTO is a non-smoking environment. 
                                                 
2 Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 
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