OFFICE(09)/38 
09-2433 
 
The recruitment policy of the WTO shall be to seek  to attract and retain staff members offering 
the highest standards of competen ce, efficiency and integrity. 
The fullest regard shall be given to th e merit, qualifications and experience. 
The WTO is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 Vacancy Notice No.: EXT/F/09-15   Issued on:   18 May 2009 
 Title:      Secretary   Application deadline:   16 June 2009  
 
Grade:   5     Division:   Appellate Body Secretariat 
(9006) 
Contract type:  Fixed-term    
 
Starting Salary: CHF 75,000 net per annum Duration:   Two years with the possibility 
(approximate)   of extension 
 
Other  
  In accordance with WTO Staff Regulations and Staff Rules and WTO Pension Plan 
Conditions:  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 vacation.  Benefits for internationally recruited 
staff may include travel and removal e xpenses 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 Appellate Body Secretariat of the WTO is seek ing to fill the position of Secretary.  Serving 
staff members interested in this po sition are also invited to apply. 
  
General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Administrative Assist ant and senior staff, the incumbent will undertake 
the following functions: 
 
1. Perform a full range of secretarial duties:  draft correspondence and memoranda using 
standard templates, based on verbal instructions or brief notes;  meticulous ly check legal and other 
documents for formatting, spelling, grammar, and proper citations;  create, edit, and produce texts, 
tables, correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations, according to approved format and 
editorial practices. 
 
2. Ensure proper distribution and registration/ date stamping of documents;  organize and 
maintain official records and appeal files;  f ile and retrieve correspondence and documents in the 
Division's established filing systems;  generate and maintain filing systems;  put together background 
files and compile appropriate reference mate rials for appeals, meetings, and seminars. 
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3. Maintain contact with delegations involved in  appeals;  coordinate the translation and 
circulation of Appellate Body Reports;  liaise w ith other Divisions as necessary;  service meetings, 
including oral hearings and internal meetings;  understand and apply Appe llate Body practices and 
procedures in the conduct of appeals, in par ticular regarding deadlines and the treatment of 
confidential information. 
 
4. Provide assistance and support to Ap pellate Body Members, as required. 
 5. Perform other clerical duties, as assigned. 
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education:  
 
Completion of secondary school and/or secretarial or equivalent commercial school;  training in the 
secretarial field or proven secretarial expertise.  
Knowledge:  
 
Excellent knowledge of standard WT O software applications (Microso ft Word, PowerPoint, Excel).  
Knowledge of database applications  would also be an advantage. 
 Ability to work within strict dead lines and under pressure as well as to  work successfully in a team;  
highly developed tact and discretion;  ability to  exercise initiative and judgement and to work 
independently at times.  Willingness to work comp ensated overtime hours in the evenings and on 
weekends from time to time would be an advant age.  Experience with litigation/dispute settlement 
processes or within a legal office would also be favourably regarded.   
Work Experience: 
 
A minimum of five years of relevant experience.  
 
Languages:  
 Excellent knowledge of English with a good knowledge of French and/or Spanish.
 
 
Additional Information: 
 
The post may be offered at a lower grade if the sel ected candidate does not fully meet 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 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
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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 online as soon as possible after the v acancy has been posted 
and well before the closing date stated in the vacancy announcement. 
 
Off-line 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 .