OFFICE(09)/51 
09-4465 
 
 
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/09-20   Issued on:   23 September 2009 
 Title:    Secretary   Application deadline:   21 October 2009  
 
Grade:   5    Division:   Economic Research and Statistics  
(399)           
Contract type:   Fixed-term     
 
Starting Salary:  CHF  75,000 net per annum Duration:    One year, with the possibility of  
(approximate)   an extension for up to one additional year 
 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 Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Secretary in the  Economic 
Research & Statistics Division.  Serving staff memb ers interested in the position are also invited 
to apply.  
 
General Functions  
 
Under the supervision of the Division's Administrati ve Assistant, the incumbent will be assigned the 
following duties within the Research Group: 
 1. To provide logistical and administrative s upport, with minimal supervision, in the 
organization of the Division's Economic Series seminars,  the Geneva Trade and Development 
Workshop series, conferences and other events sponsored by the Division, including drafting 
invitation letters in at least two of the offici al languages; responsibility for catering and security 
arrangements, hotel and travel arrange ments for external participants.  
 2. To prepare, with minimal superv ision, the bibliography of the World Trade Report , the WTOs 
flagship publication, using a specialized software , Reference Manager, and to be able to provide 
guidance in the use of this software to other users.   To provide editorial support, when necessary, to 
assist the administrative assistant in the production of the Report, including liaison with the various 
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divisions involved in the production process and the launch of the Report . 
3. To manage, update, and when necessary devel op databases, using Microsoft Access, for 
example to manage the Division's Consultancy Pr ogramme.  To create clear and precise reports 
generated by Microsoft Access, using Query, to r ecord and track the various divisional projects. 
 
4. To assist in managing the division's PhD Doctoral Support programme, Visiting Scholars 
programme, consultancy programme and internship programme.  To draft correspondence in two of 
the official languages to participants, to make admi nistrative and logistical arrangements according to 
the procedures of the WTO.  
5. To assist and replace the Administrative Assistan t when absent.  To monitor staff movements 
and leave.  To screen and schedule requests according to nature and urgency to the supervisor and/or 
Director.  
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education 
 
Completion of secondary school supplemented by secretarial or commercial college training 
equivalent. 
 
Knowledge   
 
Knowledge of WTO administrative processes would be  an advantage.  A t horough proven familiarity 
with applicable word processing packages, and especi ally Microsoft Access is necessary.   Ability to 
quickly learn new software pack ages used by the Division, for example, Reference Manager is 
required.  
Work Experience 
 
At least five years of relevant experience, gain ed progressively in responsible positions.  Previous 
experience of working in an international environment would be an asset.   
Languages 
 Excellent knowledge of English or French, with proficiency in the second language.  Knowledge of 
Spanish would be an asset.  
Additional Information: 
 The incumbent will be expected to perform a range of administrative support and secretariat 
functions, and will be expected to manage his/her own workload and priorities, within those of the 
supervisor, while controlling the quality and accuracy  of work products/services.  The adherence to 
deadlines is required because of the meetings, c onferences and other administrative procedures 
involved.  The incumbent would be required to  be flexible in fast-changing environments. 
 
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. 
 
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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 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.