09-1095 OFFICE(09)/14 
3 March 2009 
 
 
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION 
 
WTO  
 
Geneva  
 
Vacancy Notice No.EXT/F/09-08  
   The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Economic Affairs Officer in the 
Development Division.  Serving staff members interest ed in this position are also invited to apply.  
The WTO is an Equal Opportunities Employer.  
TITLE AND GRADE:  Economic Affairs Officer – Grade 7
1 
STARTING SALARY: 
 Approximately  Swiss francs 93,300 net p.a. 
OTHER CONDITIONS: 
 In accordance with WTO Regulations and Staff Rules and 
WTO Pension Plan Regulations. 
The World Trade Organization offers an attractive 
compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to 
mandatory deductions for pensi on contributions and health 
insurance), dependency benefits, pension plan, health insurance 
scheme, separation grant and 30 da ys annual vacation.  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 web site
. 
 
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:  Fixed-term for two years, with possibility of extension. 
GENERAL FUNCTIONS: 
 Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division, 
and under the direct supervision of the Aid-for-Trade Coordinator the incumbent's duties will include the following:  (a) Assisting the Development Division with the 
WTO's work on Aid for Trade.  Responsibilities will 
include research, analysis and writing assignments relating to Aid for Trade. 
(b) Assisting with the work relating to Aid for Trade being 
carried out in the Committee for Trade and 
Development, including convening meetings, finalizing 
agendas, scheduling informal consultations, preparing briefs and minutes of the meetings etc. 
                                                     
 
1 The post may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all of the 
required qualifications. OFFICE(09)/14 
Page 2  
 
 
 (c) Coordinating the activities on Aid for Trade with other 
inter-governmental agencies and regional economic organizations involved with the Aid for Trade initiative. 
(d) Organizing WTO events related to Aid for Trade. 
(e) Undertaking technical assistance missions to developing 
countries and lecturing on Aid for Trade and 
development-related WTO matters in general. 
(f) Assisting in other work of  the Division, as and when 
necessary. 
 
REQUIRED 
QUALIFICATIONS: An advanced university degree in economics, or a related field, 
preferably with a specialization in international trade economics with a development focus.  A minimum of three years of relevant work experience.  
Extensive knowledge of the re lationship between trade and 
development and the Doha Work  Programme, especially of 
issues related to Aid for Trade.  Knowledge of the organizational structure of th e WTO and operational knowledge 
of the conduct and follow-up of WTO meetings.  Knowledge of 
developing countries' trade issues and developing countries' 
needs within the multilateral tr ading system.  Experience of 
work with or in developing countries;  experience of working in government service or for other international organizations will 
be an asset.  
Very good drafting skills are essential.  Demonstrated ability to 
quickly analyze information and to plan, organize and coordinate complex and wide  ranging issues;  enhanced 
communication skills, including the ability to speak in public and convey information clearly.  Ability to act with tact and 
discretion.  Applicants should be able to work under pressure of 
deadlines.  
LANGUAGES: Excellent knowledge of English and very good working 
knowledge of either French or Spanish, including a 
demonstrated ability to communicate accurately, concisely and 
clearly, both orally and in writing.  
APPLICATIONS:
2 
 Please use the online application form which may be 
downloaded from the WTO website – www.wto.org  - under 
"vacancies".  If you are unable to download the application 
form, please send an e-mail or fax to the Human Resources 
Division requesting the form.  A completed form may also be submitted to the following address:  
                                                     
 
2 Only applications from nationals  of WTO Members will be accepted. 
93 OFFICE(09)/14 
Page 3 
 
 
 Director, Human Resources Division 
WTO Centre William Rappard 154, rue de Lausanne 1211 Geneva 21 
Switzerland 
E-mail:  humanresources@wto.org
  Fax:  +41-22-739 5772 
 
 Please do not send your application via multiple routes.  It is not 
necessary to follow your application up with copies of 
qualifications, previous employment contracts, entire 
publications, etc.  
 Candidates must indicate clearly in section 15 of the application 
form the Vacancy Notice No. EXT/F/09-08. 
 
 Applications will not be ac knowledged.  Only applicants 
possessing the required qualifications will be taken into consideration.  Only the successf ul candidate will be notified of 
the outcome of the competition.  
 Candidates are kindly requested to refrain from enquiring about 
the progress of their application.  
CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY NOTICE: 31 March 2009 
No applications will be considered after this date. 
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.