Dispute Settlement Registrar

Vacancy Notice No.: EXT/F/13-24 Title: Dispute Settlement Registrar Grade: 6 Contract Type: Fixed-term Starting Salary: CHF 78,730 net per annum (approximate) Issued On: 4 September 2013 (27 day(s) until closing date) Currently accepting applications Application Deadline (CET): 2 October 2013 Division:   Legal Affairs 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 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 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 Dispute Settlement Registrar in the Legal Affairs Division. Serving staff members interested in the position are also invited to apply.

General Functions Under the supervision of the Director of the Division, the incumbent will undertake the following duties: 1. Responsible for maintaining the WTO Dispute Settlement Registry and processing dispute settlement case information (excluding matters dealt with by the Appellate Body Secretariat), both in physical files and through electronic case management software (Digital Dispute Settlement Registry). 2. Maintain the official file of disputes from opening to final disposition in accordance with approved internal controls, procedures and rules. Monitor and ensure the completion of required procedural steps, such as proper acceptance, transmission, service and custody of filed documents and correspondence in on-going disputes, and ensuring conformity with applicable confidentiality procedures. If a dispute is appealed, ensure a proper transmission of the complete official record of panel proceedings to the Appellate Body. 3. Provide case management support to users, including Secretariat staff, panelists, arbitrators and Members in relation to filings and records of on-going and past disputes. 4. Liaise with archivists regarding proper storage of official files of dispute settlement proceedings. 5. Fulfil various administrative functions for the Digital Dispute Settlement Registry software application to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Registry and of on-going disputes. Such tasks include managing user accounts, generation of statistical reports on dispute activity, developing user guides, and other functions in the WTO's electronic case management software application. 6. Develop, recommend and implement, under the guidance of the Divisional focal point, new or improved procedures as necessary to ensure the efficient and effective maintenance of the WTO dispute settlement registry. 7. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director, some of which may develop over time to include conducting basic research, preparing panel timetables, organizing submissions, exhibits and annexes for particular disputes, and preparing certifications, notifications, and communications relating to WTO legal instruments, accessions, and the depositary functions of the Director-General.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Post-secondary training in clerical skills and/or document management skills or demonstrated superior ability in clerical and/or document management skills through experience; specific post-secondary training in paralegal, legal secretary or other specialized legal studies will be an asset.

Knowledge and skills: Knowledge of the WTO in general and good knowledge of WTO dispute settlement procedures and rules of conduct will be an asset. Experience with the use of relevant document management software; knowledge of electronic case management and case filing applications will be an asset. Ability to apply a body of rules and procedures that involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software, data entry, and report generation; expert document and file management skills, including ability to manage constant flow of documents from several disputes simultaneously. Strong service orientation and interpersonal skills; organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently according to strict deadlines and time constraints; ability to take initiative and work with little supervision; strong professional standards, ability to maintain high level of confidentiality with tact and discretion. Text processing skills and expertise in MS suite of applications, including proficiency in MS Excel. Ability to work as a member of a team; to work harmoniously with Secretariat Staff, panelists, arbitrators and Members in a multi-cultural environment; and to work under time pressure and still work effectively with colleagues.

Work Experience: At least eight years' relevant professional experience in case management and case filing tasks in a legal setting, in the private or public sector, or in an international organization.

Languages: Proficiency in English including the ability to communicate precisely and concisely orally and in writing in English; knowledge of other official languages of the WTO, especially Spanish, would be an asset.

Additional Information: The position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the required qualifications. Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. _____________ OFFICE(13)/38

APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION

APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WTO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit 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 vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date - Central European Time (CET) - stated in the vacancy announcement.