OFFICE(10)/20 
10-0938 
 
 
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. 
The fullest regard shall be given to merit, qualifications and experience. 
The WTO is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Vacancy Notice No.:   EXT/F/10-11 Issued on:   22 February 2010 
 
Title:   Economic Affairs Officer Application deadline:   22 March 2010 
 
Grade:   6 
 
Contract type:   Fixed-term 
 Division:   Trade and Environment 
(115) 
Starting Salary:   CHF 88,000 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 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 Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the post of Economic Affairs Officer in the Trade 
and Environment Division.  Serving staff members in terested in the position are also invited to 
apply. 
  
General Functions  
 
The incumbent will serve in the Trade and Envir onment Division to assist the Secretariat in  
implementing technical-assistance-related aspects of the work on trade and environment and technical 
barriers to trade.  The incumbent will also be re quested to undertake other committee-related work as 
necessary, notably in relation to the transparency related work of the Committee on Technical Barriers 
to Trade (CTBT).   Under the supervision of the Director of the Division and other senior staff members of the Division,  
the incumbent's duties will include the following:  
 1. Monitor the implementation of the transparen cy provisions in the Agreement on Technical 
Barriers to Trade including overseeing the processing of TBT notifications and other transparency-related documents. OFFICE(10)/20 
Page 2  
 
   
2. Maintain the TBT Information Manageme nt System, a web-based application for 
classification and research of TBT notifications a nd other TBT transparency related documents and 
specific trade concerns raised in the CTBT.  
3. Undertake the planning, organization and de livery of technical assistance activities in the 
areas of TBT and trade and environment.  4. Contribute to developing and maintaining de tailed training and information material to be 
used in seminars and workshops with the aim of providing practical technical assistance to developing 
country Members. 
 5. Act as a tutor in e-training courses in the areas of trade and environment and technical barriers to trade and work closely with the e-traini ng unit to ensure that the on-line course is kept up-
to-date. 
 
6. Undertake such other tasks as may be assigne d to him/her to support other members of the 
Division to carry out technical assistance activities.  7. Assist in other matters related to the opera tion of the Committee on Trade and Environment, 
the Committee on Trade and Environment - Special Session and the CTBT.  This may include 
preparation of preliminary draft documents (e.g. me eting reports) and contributing to the organization 
of Geneva-based events (e.g. committee meetings and workshops).    
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 
Advanced university degree in law or economics is required.  
Knowledge: 
 
Very good knowledge of economic and legal issues relating to the WTO, trade and environment and 
technical barriers to trade.  The incumbent shoul d have good IT skills to operate databases of WTO 
notifications.  The incumbent should have good co mmunication and presentation skills and the ability 
to work independently and to coope rate with others in a diverse in ternational setting. In addition, 
excellent organizational and planning skills are required. 
 
Work Experience: 
 
A minimum of two years of professional and/or academic experience in the areas of trade and environment and technical barriers to trade a nd a good trade policy background.  In addition, 
experience in developing training material and provi ding training on complex topics in a clear manner 
is an asset.  
Languages: 
 Excellent knowledge of English a nd a very good knowledge of anot her official language.  An ability 
to draft quickly and accurately, particularly in English, is an essential requirement.    OFFICE(10)/20 
 Page 3 
 
 
   
Additional Information: 
 
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 da te 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.