OFFICE(09)/55 
09-3898 
 
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/09-19   Issued on:   14 August 2009  
 
Title:    Director   Application deadline:   22 September 2009  
 
Grade:   1 1     Division:   Human Resources  
(32) 
Contract type:   Fixed-term    
 
Starting Salary: CHF 197,000 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 Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill th e position of  Director in the Human Resources 
Division.  Serving staff members interested in  this position are also invited to apply. 
 
 
General Functions  
 
Reporting to the Director-General, the incumbent will lead the Human Resources Division which is 
responsible for devising the Human Resources po licies of the organisation and overseeing their 
implementation.  The individual must be a strong l eader, able to manage a human resource team and 
advise the senior management on the implementation of the HR strategy around sourcing, recruiting, 
developing, retaining talent and delivering a comprehensive and professional HR service.   
 Specific responsibilities will include:  
1. Align the work of the division to the goals of  the WTO, establishing clear links between the 
human resource management processes a nd the organisation' s trade agenda. 
2. Lead, direct the work of the Human Resources Division ensuring integration between the 
various HR disciplines. OFFICE(09)/55 
Page 2  
 
3. Implement pre-determined HR projects, endorsed  by the Director-General.  These include the 
introduction of an organisation-wide classi fication framework; a reinvigorated performance 
management system; a mandatory 360° assessment mech anism for all levels of management; a talent 
review / career management framework. 
4. Review operational human resources policies to ensure that they reflect current best practice 
and support changing employee needs. 
5. Introduce strategic human resources policies and strategies e.g. in the areas of management 
development, talent review and succession planning. 
6. Impart coaching and development skills across management. 
7. Represent the division internally at meetings with senior management. 
8. Promote / represent the WTO externally at uni versity fora, international organizations' 
management networks, etc.  
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 
Education: 
 
Post-graduate professional  / Masters degree qualific ations in human resources management, business 
administration, occupational psychology or industri al / public / organizational management, with a 
clear understanding of Human Resource Manageme nt aspects including employee resourcing, 
succession planning, performance ma nagement, and development. 
 
Knowledge: 
 
The ability to manage both strategic and operational HR activity. Demonstrable skills in analysis and 
problem-solving. Broad based knowledge or experience of international public sector people issues is 
required.  A proven track record of achievement in  leading organizational change in an HR function 
including relevant management  qualification will be a plus. 
 
Work Experience: 
 
At least 15 years' professional experience in the fi eld of both operational and strategic human resource 
management, of which at least five years should be at a responsible management level, ideally in an 
international environment / organization.   Practical experience of at least five of the fo llowing is essential - Operational and Strategic HR 
Policy;  Employee benefits administration, Pe rformance Management policies and systems, 
Management Development / Change  Management Strategies;  Workforce Planning;  Employee 
Resourcing, Employer Branding, Induction and Orienta tion;  Total Reward Policies;  Job Evaluation / 
Classification;  Career Development;  Talent Review and Succession Planning.  Experience of dealing with practical HR issues.  Able to identify risks and opportunities and 
solutions-oriented.  Judicious, confident and en ergetic with solid engagement, communication and 
facilitation skills.  Capable of working across all levels within a multi-cultural environment.  
Discretion and integrity. OFFICE(09)/55 
Page 3 
 
 
Languages: 
 
Excellent knowledge (spoken and writte n) of English and French.  Working knowledge of Spanish an 
advantage.  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 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: 
 
Recruitment Unit 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.