Legal Economic Affairs Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: EJCHWTO/0605/202651

Legal Economic Affairs Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: EJCHWTO/0605/202651

Geneva (Switzerland)

Job Description

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Legal/Economic Affairs Officer in the Accessions Division. This is an entry level professional position.

The Accessions Division facilitates negotiations between WTO members and acceding governments in the context of their integration into the multilateral trading system, including through alignment with WTO rules and market access liberalization. It serves as a focal point for widening the scope and geographical coverage of the WTO.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Director of the Division, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Function as Secretary/Co-Secretary of at least three accession Working Parties; responsibilities include assisting in the servicing of Working Party meetings, drafting Working Party Reports, Chairperson’s Notes, briefing notes, and summary reports.

2. Provide information to delegations and advise senior management on accession-related matters.

3. Assist in organizing and preparing accession-related technical assistance and capacity-building activities, including in close coordination with relevant Divisions.

4. Conduct research and analysis of economic and trade-related issues concerning accessions.

5. Participate in and contribute to other activities of the Division, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in economics, international relations, law, or another relevant field.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical knowledge and skills:

Strong drafting skills, reflecting ability to communicate in a clear manner, to prepare and review briefs and reports on accession- and trade-related issues.

Analytical skills to research and organize background material.

Knowledge of the requirements of WTO accession and the commitments involved in the WTO Agreements is required.

Basic knowledge of WTO legal instruments and the WTO Agreements is essential.

Behavioural skills:

Time management and prioritization skills; ability to meet strict deadlines within a dynamic work environment, working swiftly and accurately under the pressure of deadlines, while paying close attention to the detail.

Ability to communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand ideas when communicated by others.

Ability to make fact-based presentations to knowledgeable specialised audiences.

Ability to work independently as well as cooperate with others in a diverse international setting as a member of a team.

Political sensitivity and awareness; tact and diplomacy. Ability to initiate and build relationships with acceding governments, WTO members, and various types of stakeholders and partners.

Ability to adhere rigorously to rules of conduct ensuring confidentiality, impartiality and an absence of conflicts of interest.

Work Experience:

A minimum of two years of professional experience in the area of international trade or international relations.

Languages:

Excellent English is required, including the ability to draft accurately, concisely and rapidly. A good knowledge of at least one of the other two WTO working languages (French and Spanish) is an advantage.

Organizational Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Communicating for Results

• Effective Collaboration

• Cultivating Progressive Growth

• Professional Accountability

• Relevant Digital Proficiency

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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