OFFICE(10)/12 
10-0525 
 
 
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 th e merit, qualifications and experience. 
The WTO is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Vacancy Notice No.:   EXT/F/10-07 Issued on:   2 February 2010 
 
Title:   Legal Affairs Officer Application deadline:   3 March 2010 
 
Grade:   7 
 
Contract type:   Fixed-term 
 Division:   Intellectual Property 
(655) 
Starting Salary:   CHF 94,400 net per annum 
(approximate)  Duration:   Two years with 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 a position of Legal Affairs Officer in the 
Intellectual Property Division to assist with th e Division's work primarily in the area of 
government procurement, and secondarily on in tellectual property issues.  Serving staff 
members interested in the position  are also invited to apply. 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the direction of the team leader for gove rnment procurement and other senior professional 
staff, the incumbent will be expected to contribu te to the work of the Division in the areas of 
government procurement and intellectual property.  Such tasks will include:  1. Assisting in the substantive, diplomatic a nd procedural aspects of preparation, conduct and 
follow-up of meetings, including especially those of  the Committee on Government Procurement and, 
as required, the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (including its 
Special Session), and other meetings to which the Division contributes.  OFFICE(10)/12 
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  2. Undertaking legal and other research and prepar ation of analytical papers and other materials 
in the substantive areas of the Division's work, w ith emphasis on government procurement issues, but 
also intellectual property and (to the extent that demand arises) competition policy;  3. Assisting in the servicing of dispute settle ment panels and the processing, collation and 
analysis of notifications. 
 4. Providing advice and information to delegati ons, colleagues, senior management and other 
intergovernmental organizations;  responding to ad hoc requests from both within and outside the 
Secretariat for advice and assistance on government procurement matters and on other matters as 
required. 
 5. Contributing to, and developing training mate rials for, technical assistance and training 
missions;  participating in seminars, symposia  and workshops both inside and outside the 
Organization. 
 
6. Maintaining and developing relations with the public by responding to requests for 
information and assisting in the ongoing maintenanc e and upgrading of the WT O website in the area 
of government procurement.  7. Carrying out other tasks as assigned. 
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 
An advanced university degree in law and appropri ate post-graduate qualifi cations or equivalent 
experience.    
Knowledge: 
 Evidence of a wide-ranging interest in and knowledge  of international trade law and policy issues, 
government procurement and/or intellectual propert y matters;  and a proven capability for teamwork 
and ability to undertake analytical research of a high standard.  
Work Experience: 
 
A minimum of three years of relevant experience.  
Languages: 
 
An excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in English.  An ability to also work in one or both of the 
other WTO languages would be a strong advantage. 
 
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.   OFFICE(10)/12 
 Page 3 
 
 
  __________________________________________________________________________________ 
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.