Economic Affairs Officer - World Trade Organization

The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.

Vacancy Notice No.: EXT/L/14-13

Title:Economic Affairs Officer

Grade:6

Contract Type: L Post

Starting Salary:CHF 84,399 net per annum (approximate)

Issued On: 15 August 2014

Application Deadline (CET):15 September 2014

Division:Agriculture & Commodities(LS06)

Duration: One year

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: The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Economic Affairs Officer in the Agriculture and Commodities Division to assist in the management and administration of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This is a special contract position of limited duration. Serving staff members interested in the position are also invited to apply.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Secretary of the STDF and other senior officers of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, the incumbent will be required to undertake the following:

1. Collect relevant documentation related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) capacity building, assist with the preparation of short and technically accurate briefing notes and fact sheets on specific STDF projects and/or other thematic topics covered by STDF's work, and update the STDF website as appropriate.
2. Assist with the review of applications for STDF funding from developing countries, draft contracts with successful applicants, and assist with the monitoring of the implementation and evaluation of approved project and project preparation grants (including approval of reports and requests for payment).
3. Participate in relevant national, regional and/or international workshops, seminars and other events, including in particular events focused on the challenges facing developing countries in the implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), and make presentations as appropriate.
4. Generally support the implementation of STDF's strategy and annual work plans, including support for the preparation and organization of STDF meetings, drafting of reports, and accounting and financial tasks.
5. In carrying out the functions above, the incumbent will be expected to cooperate closely with other partner organizations in the STDF, i.e. the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, as well as other relevant regional and international organizations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree or equivalent in economics, law, business administration, or a related field.

Knowledge and skills:

Knowledge and good understanding of the WTO system. Knowledge and understanding of the provisions of the SPS Agreement and issues related to its implementation, particularly the challenges faced by developing countries.Proven written skills which demonstrate the ability to analyse, assess and communicate clearly; ability to research and organize background material. Word processing skills, proficiency in MS suite of applications (or equivalent). Ability to support the implementation and management of technical cooperation projects.The following interpersonal capabilities are required: relate to and build relationships with colleagues; communicate information in a clear way; present technical facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences; and work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives.

Work Experience:

At least two years of practical experience in the trade or development area. Experience in the preparation, implementation, management and/or evaluation of technical cooperation projects would be an asset.

Languages:

Excellent speaking and writing skills in English. A good knowledge of at least one of the other WTO working languages (French or Spanish) would be an asset.

Additional Information:

Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted._____________OFFICE(14)/38

APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION

APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

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Please visit WTO's E-Recruitment website at: . 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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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