08-3717         O F F I C E ( 0 8 ) / 4 9  
                       5 August 2008   
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
 
WTO
 
 
Geneva  
 
Vacancy Notice No. L08/08  
   The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Secretary in the Agriculture and 
Commodities to assist in technical cooperation an d capacity-building work pursuant to the Doha 
Development Agenda, in particular with regard to the administration of the Standards and Trade 
Development Facility (STDF).  Serv ing staff members interested in th is position are also invited to 
apply. The WTO is an Equal Opportunities Employer.  TITLE AND GRADE: Secretary – Grade 4
1 
 
STARTING SALARY: Approximately  Swiss francs 68,258 net p.a. 
 OTHER CONDITIONS:
 In accordance with WTO Staff 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 pension contribut ions 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 
expenses on appointment and separation, installation grant, education 
grant, rental subsidy and home l eave. Additional information on the 
compensation package is provided on the WTO website
. 
 TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: One year fixed-term contract. The contract may be renewed subject to  
the fully satisfactory performan ce of the incumbent and the continued 
availability of funds . 
 GENERAL FUNCTIONS: Under th e supervision of the Director of the Agriculture and 
Commodities Division and the Secret ary of the STDF, the incumbent 
will perform the following functions: 
 
(a) preparing, proof reading and despatching all internal and 
external STDF correspondence; 
 (b) ensuring the internal management of STDF files and appropriate 
follow-up; when requested provi ding information to other WTO 
Divisions staff as well as to outside Organizations and 
Institutions with which STDF co-operates; 
                                                           
1 The post may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all of the 
required qualifications. OFFICE(08)/49 
Page 2  
 
 
(c) processing contracts for STDF acti vities, maintaining a system to 
track on-going, outstanding a nd programmed commitments, 
issuing reports and any other do cuments on technical assistance 
activities; 
 (d) assisting STDF staff in all secret ariat matters related to technical 
assistance activities, including coordinating travel arrangements for STDF staff and consultants; assisting in the preparation, 
coordination and information of  travel itineraries and the 
processing of payment of final tr avel claims for consultants.  
 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Completed s econdary education and/or eq uivalent secretarial or 
commercial studies. Three to f our years of relevant working 
experience; knowledge of projec t administration would be a 
considerable asset. G ood knowledge of information systems including 
Microsoft Office, in particular Word and Excel software. Familiarity with WTO systems and procedures as they relate to applicable 
Financial and Staff Rules and Regulations. Ability to exercise tact and 
discretion and to maintain confidentiality. 
 LANGUAGES: Excellent English is required , with particular emphasis on sound 
drafting skills. Proficiency in French or Spanish required. 
 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:  
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. 
L08/08 . 
 
Applications will not be acknowledged.  Only applicants possessing 
the required qualifications will be take n into consideration.  Only the 
successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the competition.  
                                                           
2 Only applications from nationals  of WTO Members will be accepted. 
LS04 OFFICE(08)/49 
Page 3  
 
 
Candidates are kindly requested to refrain from enquiring about 
progress of their application. 
 
CLOSING DATE OF THIS 
VACANCY NOTICE:  3 September 2008  
  No applications will be considered after this date.    
  The WTO is a non smoking environment.