OFFICE(11)/22 
11-1970 
 
 
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/11-15 Issued On:   15 April 2011 
 
Title:   Legal Officer Application Deadline:   13 May 2011 
 
Grade:   7 
 
Contract Type:   Fixed-term 
 Division:   Appellate Body Secretariat 
(9003) 
Starting Salary:   CHF 94,400 net per annum 
(approximate)  Duration:   Two years, with the possibility to 
extend 
 
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 a position of Legal Officer in the Appellate Body 
Secretariat.  Serving staff members interested in  the position are also invited to apply. 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Director of the Appell ate Body Secretariat, the incumbent will assist in 
providing legal advice and support to the Appellate Body.  The tasks include: 
1. Assisting Appellate Body Member s with the conduct of appeals. 
 
2. Participating as a member of teams organized to carry out tasks associated with the conduct of 
appeals.  3. Assisting in the preparation of legal background documents and analyses on the WTO 
agreements and the dispute settlement rules. 
 
4. Researching and drafting memoranda and legal analyses in the fields of international trade 
law and public international law generally.  OFFICE(11)/22 
Page 2  
 
 5. Assisting arbitrators in the conduct of arb itrations on the reasonable period of time for 
implementation.  6. Participating in WTO training activities and giving presentations at conferences as appropriate. 
 
7. Performing such other tasks related to the work of the Appellate Body and its Secretariat as may 
be required.   
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 
An advanced university degree in law, including  studies in international trade law and public 
international law is required.  Studies in economics would be an asset. 
 
Knowledge: 
 
Excellent research skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail;  the ability to work 
independently as well as cooperate with others in a diverse international setting;  and the ability to 
meet strict deadlines within a dynamic work environment. 
 
Work Experience: 
 
At least three years of relevant practical experience in the area of international trade law.  Experience in national or international trade-related litigation and/or within judicial ins titutions or quasi-judicial 
agencies would be an asset. 
 
Languages: 
 
Excellent English, including a demonstrated ability to  write accurately, concisely, clearly and within 
tight deadlines.  Good knowledge of French  and/or Spanish is  highly desirable. 
 
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.  OFFICE(11)/22 
 Page 3 
 
 
  
All applicants are encouraged to apply on line as soon as possible after the vacancy has 
been posted and well before the closing da te 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.