OFFICE(12)/23 
12-3127 
 
 
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/12-08 Issued On:   14 June 2012 
 
Title:   Legal Affairs Officer Application Deadline (CET):   12 July 2012 
 
Grade:   6 
 Division:   Intellectual Property Division 
(286) 
Contract Type:   Fixed-term 
 
Starting Salary:   CHF 85,100 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 a position of Legal Affairs Officer in the Government Procurement Group of the Intellect ual Property Division.  The focus of the 
position is on the Division's work on government  procurement, with potential for work in other 
areas of trade policy covered by the Division, part icularly trade and competition.  Serving staff 
members interested in the position  are also invited to apply. 
 
General Functions  
 
Under the direction of the Division's Team Leader  for Government Procur ement and other senior 
professional staff, the incumbent will be expected to contribute to the work of the Division in the area 
of Government Procurement.  Key accountabilities will include: 
 
1. Assisting in the substantive, diplomatic a nd procedural aspects of the preparation, conduct 
and follow-up of official meetings, including esp ecially those of the WTO Committee on Government 
Procurement.  
2. Undertaking legal and other research and prepar ation of analytical papers and other materials 
in the substantive areas of work of the Government  Procurement Group.  A particular focus will be on 
the market access commitments of Parties to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, on the maintenance and updating of their schedules in th e light of the recent revision of the Agreement, 
as well as analytical support for and input to elements of the future work programmes of the OFFICE(12)/23 
Page 2  
 
  Committee on Government Procurement and analys is and technical assistance relating to accessions 
to the Agreement. Additional responsibilities will include analytical support on other trade policy 
issues addressed by the Division, including trade and competition policy.   3. Assisting in the processing, collation and analys is of notifications in the area of Government 
Procurement, and in the upgrading of related info rmation bases, collection of statistics and related 
tools in the Division.  4. Contributing to, and developing training mate rials for, technical assistance and training 
missions in the area of Government Procurement;  pa rticipating in seminars, symposia and workshops 
on related topics both inside and outside the Organization. 
 5. Under the supervision of more senior pr ofessionals, providing advice and information to 
delegations, colleagues, senior management and ot her 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. 
 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, with emphasis on international trade and/or public 
international law, or equivalent experience.    
Knowledge and Skills: 
 
Evidence of a wide-ranging interest in and knowledge  of international trade law and policy issues, 
with a particular focus on Government Procurem ent;  a proven capability for teamwork;  and an 
ability to undertake analytical research of a high standard.  
Familarity with the legal principles of and schedules to the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement and other legal and policy aspects of the Agreement will be a distinct advantage. 
 
Work Experience: 
 
A minimum of two years' relevant experience, with  a focus on international trade and/or government 
procurement. 
 
Languages: 
 
Excellent command of English, both oral and writte n.  A good working knowledge of one or both of 
the other WTO languages would be an asset. 
 
Additional Information: 
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.  OFFICE(12)/23 
 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 date - Cent ral European Time (CET) - 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.