OFFICE(11)/13 
11-0818 
 
 
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/11-09 Issued On:   17 February 2011 
 
Title:   Conference Assistant Application Deadline:   17 March 2011 
 
Grade:   3 
 
Contract Type:   Fixed-term 
 Division:   Council and Trade Negotiations 
Committee 
(404) 
Starting Salary:   CHF 62,800 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 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 the position of Conference Assistant in the 
Conference Office of the Council and Trade Negotiations Committee Division.  Serving staff members interested in the position  are also invited to apply. 
 
 General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Conference Officer and the Office Team Leader, the incumbent will 
perform the following duties:  
1. Receive and respond to phone calls, emails, faxes, letters and visits from WTO staff and 
delegates requesting meeting rooms or modifications  in reservations of meeting rooms.  Allocate 
appropriate and adequate meeti ng rooms taking into account thei r size, importance and special 
requirements.  Verify the accuracy and completeness of on-line requests for meetings and assist Divisional staff in response to their queries regarding the on-line system.  Liaise with the IT team and 
Document Management System (DMS) programmers and notify all changes necessary to ensure the 
smooth running of on-line reservations until the upgr ading of the system has been completed. 
 2. Regularly export schedule of meetings from th e database to the WTO Intranet and Internet 
ensuring that all information is accurate and correct. OFFICE(11)/13 
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3. Create and update working documents such as the chairpersons list or organizational papers 
for open hearings and/or other special events e.g. tables of attendance.  4. Maintain the Conference Office filing system  and carry out other clerical and secretarial 
duties as required. 
 5. Produce statistical reports and special mee ting reports from the DMS as and when required. 
 6. Carry out other assignments and ad hoc tasks as may be required by the Conference Officer. 
 
7. Replace the Conference Office Team Leader as and when necessary.   
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 
Completion of secondary school and/or secret arial or commercial school equivalent. 
 
Knowledge: 
 
Excellent knowledge of PC (Microsoft Office and ot her software packages).  Motivation to work with 
new technology.  Highly developed sense of tact, di scretion and diplomacy, in addition to a mature 
and balanced personality to deal w ith persons of different nationalities and all hierarchical levels.  
Ability to work harmoniously within a team, to work  with little direct supervision, and to exercise 
initiative and judgement.  Ability to  prioritize and to work under h eavy pressure.  Flexibility to work 
irregular working hours and week-ends when necessary  
Work Experience: 
 
At least two years of secretarial experience in conference services or a similar area is required.   
 
Languages: 
 
Proficiency in English and French as well as a good working knowledge of Spanish are required for 
the job.  
 
Additional Information: 
 
The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet the required qualifications.   
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 
  OFFICE(11)/13 
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  __________________________________________________________________________________ 
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. 
 
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.